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 Deakin SME Research Centre has received $340,000 in funding through the Australian Government's Maitri Grant to strengthen innovation partnerships between Australia and India.
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.
Your roadmap 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.
Fully-funded India roadshow
Complete the workshops and go into consideration for a fully-funded India Roadshow in early 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.
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 20 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 | Register |
| 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 |
