Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) The Energy Consortium is partnering with Energy Systems Catapult (ESC), a leading UK government-backed innovation Centre supporting the transition to a net-zero energy system, to work on energy innovation and sustainability.

This partnership opens new opportunities for cross-border knowledge exchange, applied research, and commercialisation of clean energy technologies.

Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine world-leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.

The MoU was announced in the IIT Madras campus on Tuesday (13th May 2025) in the presence of Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, and other stakeholders.

IIT Madras was represented by Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), Prof. Satya Seshadri, Faculty Head, and Nikhil Tambe CEO - The Energy Consortium. Energy Systems Catapult UK was represented by Mr. Brendan O'Neill- Advisor, Innovator Support and International, with Ms. Babita Sharma- Senior Net Zero Advisor, British High Commission, New Delhi, being present.

Highlighting the key aspects of this collaboration, Prof. Satya Seshadri, Faculty Head, The Energy Consortium, IIT Madras, said, “The Energy Consortium was founded with a clear mission, to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into scalable, real-world energy solutions. Our vision is to build a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, and policymakers to address the most pressing energy challenges of our time. We are particularly focused on fostering international partnerships that enhance innovation and knowledge exchange, while aligning with India’s broader sustainability goals. Through these efforts, we aim to be a catalyst in driving the global transition to clean energy and advancing our collective journey toward a net-zero future.”

Looking forward to this collaboration, Mr. Brendan O’Neill, Advisor- Innovator Support and International, Energy Systems Catapult UK, said, “The collaboration between Energy Systems Catapult and The Energy Consortium IIT Madras, as signified by the MoU signing, will unlock solutions to key challenges in the decarbonisation of energy and transport systems in the UK, Tamil Nadu and India. Bringing together academia, industry, and innovators from both countries to share knowledge and seek out new ways to collaborate.”

Dr. Nikhil Tambe, CEO, The Energy Consortium added, “The Energy Consortium’s central purpose is Accelerating Net Zero by driving a global collaborative effort that is bringing industry, academia and governments together. In the backdrop of the recently announced historic UK-India free trade deal there exists a tremendous opportunity to leverage our mutual strengths and we look forward to harnessing Catapult expertise.”

This collaboration is aimed at:

O Facilitating joint innovation programs in renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen, green ports and maritime.

O Supporting policy and regulatory innovation through joint workshops and studies tailored to Indian and UK contexts.

O The MoU will also enable greater access to global innovation networks, especially for Indian startups and researchers, through ESC's connection with UK Catapult centres and funding platforms.

This event will further strengthen IIT Madras’ long-standing collaboration with the UK in the energy sector. It reflects the shared commitment between IIT Madras and Energy Systems Catapult UK to advancing clean energy innovation and international partnerships.

Further, Ms. Babita Sharma- Senior Net Zero Advisor, British High Commission, New Delhi, spoke on ‘Strengthening the UK–India Net Zero Alliance’. Mr. Brendan O'Neill- Advisor, Innovator Support and International, Energy Systems Catapult UK, spoke on ‘Driving Clean Energy Innovation: UK–India - Collaborations through Energy Systems Catapult’