Monash University has announced a new partnership with RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group’s Firstsource Solutions Limited to co-develop next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) technologies aimed at advancing practical applications across key business sectors and core AI capabilities.
The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, witnessed by Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson.
According to Monash, the agreement represents a significant step toward fostering collaboration between academia and industry by linking the university’s research expertise with practical innovation and delivery.
Under the partnership, India-headquartered Firstsource and the Monash AI Institute, based within the Faculty of Information Technology, will work together to translate advanced AI research into scalable and responsible solutions that generate tangible outcomes for businesses, government, and society.
Monash said the collaboration is expected to promote joint research, talent exchange, and cross-border cooperation, strengthening science and innovation ties between Australia and India.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President Professor Craig Jeffrey said the university was committed to driving global impact through collaboration.
“At Monash, we are committed to creating global impact through collaborative innovation,” Professor Jeffrey said.
“This partnership with Firstsource brings together our deep research capability and their proven expertise in digital transformation and innovation to develop and scale technologies and AI solutions that have meaningful benefits for people and society.”
Firstsource Managing Director and CEO Ritesh Idnani said the partnership focuses on turning advanced AI research into real-world applications across multiple sectors.
“It underscores our deeper, long-term commitment to Australia – to work alongside leading universities, government, and industry to drive sustainable economic and talent outcomes,” Idnani said.
“By combining Monash’s innovation engine with our deep domain expertise and outcome-focused UnBPO?? approach, we aim to accelerate responsible AI adoption that delivers measurable impact and strengthens Australia’s digital competitiveness in an increasingly complex world.”
Idnani added that the partnership also seeks to create pathways for emerging innovators and technologists.
“This is a model for how industry and academia can come together to shape a more resilient, tech-enabled future,” he said.
Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said the state government welcomed Firstsource’s decision to expand in Melbourne.
“The company’s growing presence in Victoria is strengthening our thriving tech sector, creating hundreds of high-value jobs, and building a valuable partnership with Monash University to upskill students and drive real-world innovation in AI – helping to build the tech talent of the future,” Minister Pearson said.
The partnership will provide structured opportunities for Monash students to gain practical experience through internships, placements, and innovation projects with Firstsource, supporting the development of Australia’s next generation of AI and digital talent.
Monash AI Institute Director and Associate Dean (Innovation) at the Faculty of Information Technology, Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy, said the collaboration underscores Monash’s position as a global leader in AI research.
“This partnership brings together Monash’s world-class research in advanced AI, including neurosymbolic and optimisation-driven systems, multimodal generative and machine learning approaches, with Firstsource’s deep expertise in digital transformation,” Professor Krishnaswamy said.
“By combining our complementary strengths, we aim to create AI solutions that are both powerful and responsible, driving breakthroughs initially in health AI and expanding into other sectors.”
Professor Krishnaswamy said the collaboration demonstrates how academia and industry can work together to ensure AI innovations deliver meaningful and practical outcomes.
“Together, we are creating a model for collaboration between academia and industry that enables AI innovations to deliver meaningful, translational impact,” she said.
