Monash University and Firstsource partner to drive next generation AI solutions

Monash University has announced a partnership with RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group’s Firstsource Solutions Limited to co-develop next generation AI solutions and advance their practical applications across key Australian business sectors.

The university says that the strategic memorandum of understanding with Firstsource represents a major step in building a high-impact collaboration between the university sector and industry that connects research leadership with real-world innovation and delivery.

Through the alliance, Firstsource and the Monash AI Institute at Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology aim to work together to translate frontier AI research into scalable, responsible and high-value solutions that drive tangible outcomes for business, government and society.

Headquartered in India, Firstsource brings experience from its global expertise in technology and digital ecosystems, creating opportunities for joint research, talent exchange and cross-border collaboration that deepen the Australia–India partnership in science and innovation.

Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President Professor Craig Jeffrey, who signed the MoU on behalf of Monash, welcomed the collaboration.

“At Monash, we are committed to creating global impact through collaborative innovation,” Professor Jeffrey said. “This partnership with Firstsource brings together our deep research capability and their proven expertise in digital transformation and innovation to develop and scale technologies and AI solutions that have meaningful benefits for people and society.”

Firstsource Managing Director and CEO, Ritesh Idnani said the partnership with Monash University is about translating advanced AI research into real-world solutions that solve critical challenges in healthcare, energy, and other sectors, while nurturing a strong local talent pipeline.

“It underscores our deeper, long-term commitment to Australia — to work alongside leading universities, government, and industry to drive sustainable economic and talent outcomes,” he said. “By combining Monash’s innovation engine with our deep domain expertise and outcome-focused UnBPO outsourcing approach, we aim to accelerate responsible AI adoption that delivers measurable impact and strengthens Australia’s digital competitiveness in an increasingly complex world.

“At the same time, we’re building pathways for the next generation of innovators and technologists. This is a model for how industry and academia can come together to shape a more resilient, tech-enabled future.”

The partnership will also create structured opportunities for Monash students to gain hands-on experience through internships, placements and live innovation projects with Firstsource, helping to build the next generation of AI and digital talent in Australia.

Monash AI Institute Director and Associate Dean (Innovation) at Monash’s Faculty of Information Technology, Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy, said the collaboration reinforces Monash’s position as a global leader in AI research and innovation.

“This partnership brings together Monash’s world-class research in advanced AI, including neurosymbolic and optimisation-driven systems, multimodal generative and machine learning approaches, with Firstsource’s deep expertise in digital transformation,” Professor Krishnaswamy said.

“By combining our complementary strengths, we aim to create AI solutions that are both powerful and responsible, driving breakthroughs initially in health AI and expanding into other sectors.”

Image (l to r): Monash AI Institute Director Professor Shonali Krishnaswamy, Monash Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Craig Jeffrey, Firstsource CEO Ritesh Idnani, Minister Danny Pearson, Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Sharon Pickering, Faculty of Information Technology Dean Professor Ann Nicholson and Firstsource Senior Vice President Gagan Vohra. Image credit: Darren Keane