In an ever-changing technology landscape, the mantra of the moment is: innovation thrives through collaboration.

Here, “collaboration” refers not only to dynamics within the team, but also to relationships with startups, corporations, academic institutions, and even industries outside of the team. However, a recent report suggests that only 29% of Indian companies actively engage in partnerships with start-ups and academic institutions.

This is where initiatives such as the “Make in India” campaign and the “India AI Mission” come into play, promoting local innovation and encouraging companies to collaborate across sectors. By aligning with these national goals, the interconnectivity of these sectors could create an environment where innovation is not only welcomed but becomes an intrinsic part of the business DNA, thereby propelling India towards forward in its global market. AI competition. For example, one study indicates that companies that collaborate with industry partners will increase their innovation rate by 40%.

Since the technology industries In areas where the combination of skills and perspectives often sparks innovative ideas, they should be increasingly aware of the transformative power that collaboration across sectors could bring. From startups to established giants, they must understand that developing a culture of collaboration is not just a strategic choice; it is a necessity to stimulate sustainable innovation.

Explore the benefits

There is a clear gap in patent filings in the country. For example, Indian DeepTech startups have only filed 900 patents since 2008. Additionally, USTR observed in its 2024 Special 301 Report that India continues to be one of the most challenging economies to protect and enforce intellectual property. This highlights the potential for collaborations with academic and research institutions to help companies obtain patents and advance their innovations.

Additionally, these partnerships also serve as a catalyst to break barriers to innovation. For example, startups bring new perspectives and revolutionary ideas, while established companies provide resources, mentorship, and a platform for scalability. This synergy can lead to a convergence of technologies, giving rise to solutions that might have difficulty establishing themselves in isolated environments.

Additionally, cross-pollination of ideas through these partnerships is crucial. It is obvious that collaboration between data scientists, incubators and researchers is essential in the development of cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI.

Beyond knowledge exchange, industry-university collaboration promotes talent development. Through internships, technology festivals and industry webinars, companies could establish a talent pipeline, thereby creating a culture of excellence and preparing the next generation of professionals for the challenges of the industry. For example, some companies organize annual technology festivals which have now become the exclusive recruitment model for new graduates in the corporate world.

Meet the challenges

While the benefits of collaboration in technology industries are clear, it is essential to address the challenges that may arise. Even though these collaborations are known for their mutual benefits, many Indian higher education institutions neglect industry partnerships and knowledge transfers with technology companies, thereby missing out on earning opportunities from patents, licensing and entrepreneurship despite the active conduct of fundamental research.

This lack of interest comes from different factors. First, universities devote their energy to basic research to create new theories, while companies focus on practical research to boost their processes and generate short-term profits. This could create conflict. Second, universities want to protect their right to publish, while companies need to protect their patents and confidential information, which could lead to friction. Additionally, the absence of clearly defined and structured collaboration frameworks leads to murky waters, a lack of direction and barriers to forming mutually beneficial partnerships.

To resolve this disparity, higher education institutions and industries should establish a give-and-take relationship. Maintaining effective communication, building trust through clear agreements and a shared vision are crucial elements in ensuring that collaborative efforts yield positive results. Additionally, creating an environment that values ​​diverse opinions and encourages constructive feedback is essential to overcoming obstacles and fostering successful collaborations.

Future roadmap

Companies that collaborate with universities can access the latest research, use cutting-edge technologies, and make connections through technology events that translate into future recruiting opportunities. Simultaneously, Indian universities benefit from this partnership by expanding their scope of research, strengthening the practical skills of their students, providing internships to their young talents and receiving funds to support their academic goals. In a broader context, India would benefit from these collaborations as they could accelerate the country’s growth in the AI ​​landscape.

Moreover, looking ahead, collaboration between businesses and startups in India still has a long way to go. These connections have grown in recent years to include hand-holding, mentoring, and even knowledge exchange. It is no longer a question of buying the start-up but of helping it grow and prosper. Thus, many global giants have tied up with startups and other companies, knowing the merits of such collaborations.

It is therefore clear that whether in the field of artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, by blending creativity, communication and shared engagement, the collective intelligence of collaborative efforts between startups, companies and universities will shape the future of industries technological.

Sandeep Agarwal, Managing Director and Global CTO, Visionet