Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Auckland (UoA), New Zealand’s #1 University (QS World University Ranking 2025 #65).
This MoU will accelerate research and innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and quantum computing across various industries, including healthcare, banking, financial services, and insurance. This also includes cooperation with the government sector. Tech Mahindra and UoA’s collaboration will enhance the cooperation between industry and academia, with the goal of improving UoA graduates’ employability.
The collaboration will also focus on cutting-edge AI and ML technologies, such as spiking neural networks and 1-bit LLMs (Large Language Model). In addition, Tech Mahindra will be advancing quantum security through post-quantum cryptography. Additionally, the organizations will leverage AI and quantum ML in healthcare, with applications such as drug discovery and digital biomarkers for personalized therapy, enabling innovations in the healthcare sector globally.
Harshvendra Soin, President – Asia Pacific and Japan Business, Tech Mahindra, said, “AI and quantum computing represent a paradigm shift in how we approach complex problems, and their potential to revolutionize industries is immense. Our technical prowess, coupled with the University of Auckland’s expertise in AI and post-quantum security, will drive innovation that enables our customers and benefit society.”
Joint research initiatives between UoA and Tech Mahindra will further integrate academic data resources and expert research insights to develop industry use cases for global markets. The collaboration will introduce Generative AI and its benefits to Indigenous communities and offer internships at Tech Mahindra, providing potential candidates with the opportunity to learn AI, ML, and other emerging technologies.
Partha Roop, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Associate Dean International at the UoA’s Faculty of Engineering, said, “The University is keen to establish this partnership with a leading global tech company originally from India. India has led the IT innovation globally for the past three decades, and I envisage that it will also lead the AI revolution. UoA is both agile and world-leading, especially in Wireless Power Transfer (developed in the Faculty of Engineering by Prof. John Boys and his team), robotics, and statistical machine learning, which were pioneered through the R programming language (created in the Faculty of Science at UoA). This agreement provides a stepping stone for our students to explore real-world challenges and gain hands-on training from accomplished Tech Mahindra professionals.”
This collaboration will advance Tech Mahindra’s local capabilities in New Zealand, incorporating next-gen technologies and showcasing thought leadership through research papers and enhanced participation in academic conferences.