Projects

In the context of an industry-academia partnership, funding various avenues at academia offers significant, multifaceted benefits. These investments drive innovation, enhance competitive advantage, and strengthen long-term collaboration. By supporting academic research, industry partners can tap into cutting-edge technologies, access world-class expertise, and ensure the development of applied solutions that meet real-world challenges.

The CII Industry-Academia Partnership Forum exemplifies the powerful synergy between the two, driving transformative change and expanding the frontiers of knowledge, technology, and innovation.

Avenue and benefits of such partnership include

Technology Research

A research problem/business challenge from Industry, researched by Academia, generates research competitiveness, intellectual property as an outcome which is used for commercialisation of product and services and gain competitive edge. Provides access to advanced research and expertise and talent development driving economic impact and global competitiveness.

Consulting

Short term research projects that allows industry to access specialized knowledge and expertise, potentially leading to innovation and problem-solving beyond their existing realm of problem solving by existing team.

Chair Professor

Allows industry to have a dedicated Faculty coordinator helping industry to explore potential research capabilities and S&T ecosystem of academia

CSR

The corporate social responsibility could be fulfilled by sponsoring various social initiatives on the campus of the academia. Demonstrates commitment to the local community and broader societal challenges.

Technology Training

For upskilling / reskilling of employees, this helps a ready talent pool of trained industry personnel. Enhances product and process development driving global competitiveness.

PhD scholarship sponsored by Industry under PM fellowship

A powerful strategic investment that creates long-term value for both sectors. Builds deep domain expertise aligned with industry needs, strengthens talent pipeline, and enables applied and translational research

Scholarships & Internship

Industry launches dedicated scholarships for undergrads or scholars who can work on dedicated problem statements. Also, demonstrates commitment to the local community and broader societal challenges.

Continuing Education Programmes

Specific course launch in institution, professional certification programs (online/offline) offering senior leaders opportunity to diversify their learning and help identify right talent pool for the Organization.

Management Development Programmes

Offers direct benefits to the industry by strengthening its human capital and leadership pipeline, Enables Customized, Context- Specific Learning, Fosters Leadership Development and Succession Planning, Supports Employer Branding

Industry sponsored Joint Research Labs for Academia

Creates a high-impact, long- term collaboration model with multifaceted benefits. Drives mission-oriented research, builds advanced research infrastructure, fosters deep tech innovation and enables agile IP Co-c creation and technology transfer.

Funding for incubated startups

Offers powerful mutual benefits and strategic value. Accelerates commercialization of research and de-risks innovation for industry, strategic IP and market advantage.

Centre of Excellence

a robust partnership framework centred around the establishment of strategic partnership, designed to harness and amplify areas of mutual interest across technical and social domains. The CoEs serve as collaborative hubs that leverage combined intellectual capital, corporate expertise, and technical leadership to drive innovation and impact at scale.

The partnership platform enables the seamless execution of multiple joint projects and strategic initiatives under a unified structure. This umbrella approach fosters long-term engagement, ensures sustained strategic focus, and promotes deep commitment from both parties, thereby maximizing synergistic value creation and shared success.

As a platform facilitating industry-academia partnerships, our focus reflects the value we are offering, efforts involved, and deliver measurable outcomes.

To effectively engage in collaborative research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing with academia, we follow a structured lifecycle journey.

This process ensures alignment of goals, optimal partner matching, and long-term value creation. Below is a recommended workflow for facilitating such partnerships:

Stage A
Stage B
Stage C
Stage D

Strategic Partnership Initiation

At this stage, the focus is on laying a solid foundation for the collaboration:

Define the Partnership Scope

Clearly articulate the organization's research, innovation, or capability development goals to align expectations from the start.

Identify the Right Academic Partner

Leverage networks and databases to identify academic institutions or researchers with relevant expertise, facilities, or ongoing initiatives.

Launch a Targeted Call for Proposals

If applicable, issue a tailored call for proposals to engage multiple academic partners and invite solutions or collaborative ideas aligned with the defined scope.

Active Facilitation

This phase involves matchmaking and ensuring the right fit:

Initial Screening of Academic Proposals/Institutions

Evaluate submissions or potential partners based on relevance, capability, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Shortlist Best-Matched Partners

Narrow down to a set of highly suitable candidates for deeper engagement.

Facilitate Introductory Engagements

Organize and coordinate virtual or in-person meetings between shortlisted academic partners and internal stakeholders to explore synergies.

Agreement & Formalization

Formalizing the collaboration and setting up governance frameworks:

Draft the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Develop a draft outlining collaboration terms, objectives, responsibilities, timelines, and governance structures.

Technology Valuation (For R&D Projects)

Where applicable, assess the commercial and strategic value of technologies expected as outcomes of the research.

Finalize IP &Commercialization Terms (For R&D Projects)

Establish clarity on IP ownership, patent filing responsibilities, rights to commercialize outcomes (e.g., first right of refusal).

Formal MoU Sign-Off

Execute the agreement with mutual consent and begin implementation planning.

Stakeholder Communication, Reporting, & Promotion

Ensuring transparency, tracking progress, and showcasing success:

Coordinate Launch Communications

Develop a draft outlining Develop internal and external communications to support a smooth kick-off and ensure alignment among stakeholders.

Promote the Partnership

Leverage digital platforms, media, and events to showcase the collaboration, celebrate milestones, and attract interest from other potential collaborators.