Forging ahead: UNSW Sydney signs deal with India’s Steel Research & Technology Mission

UNSW Sydney and India’s Steel Research & Technology Mission will collaborate to advance innovation and sustainability in the steel sector.

UNSW Sydney has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI), establishing a significant partnership to drive innovation, research collaboration, and sustainability in the global steel industry.

The MoU lays the groundwork for a two-year collaboration aimed at delivering impactful research outcomes and strengthening academic and industry ties between Australia and India. The agreement was formalised during the India Steel 2025 international conference at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Mr Philip Green, High Commissioner of Australia to India, and Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman of the Steel Authority of India Limited and President of SRTMI, alongside senior officials and researchers from both the steel and academic sectors.

Under the agreement, UNSW academics will work closely with India’s steel producers and industry experts to develop innovative solutions that improve the efficiency and sustainability of steel production and use.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• decarbonisation and green steel innovation
• circular economy and resource efficiency
• development of advanced and high-performance steel
• integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes, including applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Science-led innovation tackling environmental challenges

Professor Veena Sahajwalla, founding Director of the UNSW SMaRT Centre and a global leader in sustainable materials research, said the collaboration highlights the University’s world-leading expertise in tackling major environmental challenges.

“Steel is a critical commodity for national development, but we must make its production more efficient and environmentally responsible. This MoU with SRTMI reflects our shared commitment to advancing a circular economy by transforming complex waste into valuable inputs for sustainable steelmaking,” she said.

“I’m proud that the Green Steel Polymer Injection Technology, developed at UNSW, is reimagining waste as a resource and driving innovations for sustainable industrial growth. It’s a powerful example of science-led innovation making a real-world impact, and I look forward to sharing this technology through this partnership.”

As part of the agreement, UNSW and SRTMI will collaborate on joint research projects, academic and scientific exchanges, and training programs aimed at building industry capability. These efforts support global sustainability goals and the transition to a low-carbon future.

Mr Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, welcomed the agreement.

“I commend UNSW, SRTMI, and the Ministry of Steel for this initiative,” he said.

“This MoU builds on the existing India-Australia Green Steel Partnership to tackle some of the most pressing technological challenges in the steel sector, including decarbonisation, circular economy, and digital transformation.

“The steel industry is fundamental to economic development and national security. Australia and India bring complementary strengths: we are the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, and India is the second-largest producer and consumer of steel. Given that steel and iron production accounts for around 9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the sector is at the forefront of the global energy transition.”

Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman of the Steel Authority of India Limited and President of SRTMI, said the partnership marked a pivotal moment for Indian steel research and development.

“It aligns with our national vision of developing indigenous, sustainable, and globally competitive technologies,” he said.

“This MoU will act as a catalyst for high-impact research and international collaboration in areas such as decarbonisation, advanced materials, and digital innovation.”

Established by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, in collaboration with key stakeholders from the Indian steel sector, SRTMI’s mission is to enhance the industry’s global competitiveness through focused research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Neha Verma, Director of SRTMI, said she was optimistic about the potential of the collaboration.

“The MoU with UNSW Sydney opens new avenues for developing transformative solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges,” she said.

“Together, we aim to deliver technological breakthroughs that can redefine sustainable steel production in India and beyond.”