How do universities move from collaboration aspirations to innovation at scale?
That question was at the heart of the SICI session on “Creating Collaborative Science and Innovation Hubs in Canada and India,” which brought together top leadership from 50 Indian and 21 Canadian universities.
A standout moment was the fireside chat with Dr. Joy Johnson (President, Simon Fraser University) and Dr. Ram Gopal Rao (Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani), moderated by Ambassador Ajay Bisaria (Former High Commissioner of India to Canada). The discussion focused on practical pathways, talent mobility, applied research, ecosystem partnerships, policy alignment, and need for funding- that can enable jointly created science and innovation hubs.
Building on earlier leadership discussions in Goa, the session reinforced a clear message: the time is right for Canada and India to co-create globally relevant innovation ecosystems-together.
The work now begins in turning dialogue into delivery.
The session was organised with funding support from Global Affairs Canada, Government of Canada.