Monash University and Tata Steel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre for Innovation on Environment and Intelligent Manufacturing.
This collaboration aims to tackle global challenges such as decarbonisation, sustainable resource recovery, and advancements in smart manufacturing technologies.
Leveraging Monash University’s expertise in materials science and advanced manufacturing, this partnership marks Tata Steel’s first major research and development collaboration with an Australian institution.
The initiative will enhance the Australian innovation ecosystem by building stronger ties with India and providing educational and professional opportunities for students and academics.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Tata Steel to advance material science and chemical process research. Working with a global industry partner of this stature is an important step to driving the development of new materials and technologies,” said Professor Doron Ben-Meir, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Engagement) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.
Professor Mainak Majumder, Director of the ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D) at Monash Engineering, emphasised the strategic alignment of the Centre for Innovation with the university’s mission.
“The Centre for Innovation is aligned strategically with our mission of thinking locally, but acting globally, as we strive to create impact for Australian-born science and technology,” the professor noted.
Meanwhile, T. V. Narendran, CEO & managing director of Tata Steel, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in the context of India’s role in the global steel industry.
“As the second largest steel-producing country in the world, India’s role in the global steel industry has gained considerable traction not only in terms of volume and quality but also how we manufacture the world’s favourite alloy, Narendran stated.
He remarked, “As the oldest steel maker in India, Tata Steel has taken upon itself the responsibility of leading the change towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. Today, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that involves partners from academia and the world of startups.”
“Our agreement with Monash University, an institute with an impressive reputation in material science and the ability to scale research into market-ready solutions, is an addition to this ecosystem.”
As part of its decarbonisation journey, Tata Steel recently signed MoUs with Imperial College London and The Henry Royce Institute to set up Centres of Innovation in the UK, focusing on sustainable design and manufacturing, and advanced materials.
