University of the Fraser Valley

Purpose

This project aims to strengthen Canadian research capacity in agricultural technology and clean technology innovation in India, in alignment with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy which identifies India as a strategic partner and emphasizes academic and research collaboration. The initiative will foster institutional linkages between the University of the Fraser Valley and IIT Madras, India’s top-ranked research institution. It will support two Canadian postdoctoral fellows annually through graduate scholarships valued at $70,000 each, with additional travel and accommodation support of up to $7,500. It will also fund two research fellowships for full-time Canadian faculty members, each valued at up to $12,500 per year. These fellowships will enable Canadian researchers to engage directly with Indian stakeholders and innovation ecosystems in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Through literature reviews, ecosystem mapping, and stakeholder interviews, the researchers will generate policy briefs and reports that provide insights for Canadian organizations seeking to expand their presence in India’s Agtech and cleantech sectors.