If you have any questions, please contact the Deakin SME Research Centre. Please allow up to two business days for a response.
Investing in India's innovation centres
Helping Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) invest in India through foreign direct investment strategies. Join our Maitri-funded initiative to unlock opportunities through practical workshops, resources and mentoring.
About the initiative
The Australia-India Innovation and Investment Initiative is led by the Deakin SME Research Centre and funded by the Centre for Australia-India Relations. The initiative supports Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to explore opportunities within India's innovation ecosystem through foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies.
The initiative focuses on high-growth sectors including:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- robotics
- pharmaceuticals
- health.
As part of the program, participating businesses will gain access to:
- practical, expert-led workshops
- industry case studies and policy white papers
- a structured investment roadmap
- a targeted India Roadshow in 2027 (for selected participants).
The program is designed to equip Australian businesses with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to evaluate and pursue innovation and investment opportunities in India.
Investing in India’s innovation centres workshops
This free workshop series is designed to help Australian SMEs build the knowledge and confidence to assess opportunities within India's rapidly growing innovation ecosystem.
Across two interactive online workshops, participants will explore:
- foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities
- India's regulatory and business landscape
- cultural considerations
- practical strategies for engaging with Indian innovation hubs
- common challenges and how to navigate them.
No previous experience in the Indian market is required.
Who should attend?
These workshops are ideal for Australian SMEs operating in these sectors:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- robotics
- pharmaceuticals
- health.
Who are:
- curious about whether India could be the right market for their business
- comparing India with other international growth opportunities
- already exploring India and looking for a more structured approach with expert guidance.
Whether you're just starting your research or refining an existing strategy, this program provides a practical framework to support your decision-making.
What you'll gain
By the end of the program, you'll have developed a personalised roadmap based on five key stages:
Explore → Evaluate → Enter → Establish → Expand.
The workshop will help you assess:
- where the strongest opportunities may exist for your business
- which market entry pathways best suit your goals
- legal, regulatory and commercial considerations
- potential barriers, enablers and support requirements.
Participants will also receive access to:
- structured planning templates
- workshop recordings
- additional learning resources
- ongoing access via the Deakin SME Centre Learning Management System (LMS).
You'll keep your completed roadmap as a practical resource to guide future decision-making—whether you decide to enter the market now, later or not at all.
Workshop format
Delivery:
- Online (live facilitated)
Structure:
- two interactive workshops per cohort
- two hours per session
- 5:00–7:00 PM AEST
Time Commitment:
- short pre-work between sessions
- live sessions focused on practical discussion and planning
Resources:
- workshop recordings
- planning templates
- supporting readings via the Deakin SME Centre LMS
Cost:
- Free
Choose your cohort and register
Take the opportunity to gain practical insights into India's innovation landscape and develop a structured approach to evaluating future opportunities.
Whether you're exploring international expansion for the first time or refining an existing strategy, these workshops provide valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Each cohort consists of two online workshops held on a Wednesday and Friday from 5:00–7:00 PM (AEST).
Places are limited to 30 SMEs per cohort. Register now to secure your place.
| Cohort | Session 1 | Session 2 | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 1 | Wed 26 Aug 2026 | Fri 28 Aug 2026 | Registrations closed |
| Cohort 2 | Wed 23 Sep 2026 | Fri 25 Sep 2026 | Register |
| Cohort 3 | Wed 14 Oct 2026 | Fri 16 Oct 2026 | Register |
| Cohort 4 | Wed 28 Oct 2026 | Fri 30 Oct 2026 | Register |
| Cohort 5 | Wed 11 Nov 2026 | Fri 13 Nov 2026 | Register |
Fully-funded India roadshow
Complete the workshops and go into consideration for a fully-funded India Roadshow in April 2027.
Visiting multiple innovation centres across India, participants will meet key stakeholders and explore investment opportunities firsthand. Participation in the workshops does not require any commitment to enter the Indian market or participate in the roadshow. (Agenda to be confirmed.)
Forthcoming resources
Whitepapers
To be released by February 2027
Two in-depth whitepapers bringing together the latest insights, strategies, and recommendations for Australian businesses investing in India. Drawing on current research and practical experience, they map both the opportunities and the risks, and set out clear guidance for building a successful India investment strategy.
Industry roadmaps
To be released by February 2027
Three market entry roadmaps, one for each focus industry, designed to help Australian SMEs move from interest to action. Each roadmap provides step-by-step strategies, templates, and resources for navigating India's regulatory frameworks and investment environment, so businesses can plan their entry with confidence.
Case studies
Six case studies to be released by September 2027
Six case studies examining foreign direct investment into India's innovation centres. Each one draws out the practical lessons behind real investment journeys, showing what works, what to watch for, and how Australian businesses can apply these insights to their own plans.
