To Set Up World’s First Global Mid-TRL Innovation Acceleration and Skilling Institute for Aerospace, Space, Energy and Deep Technology
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026 — CANEUS International, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra (India), today revealed plans to establish the world’s inaugural dedicated Mid-TRL (Technology Readiness Level 4–6) Institute in Mumbai, Metropolitan Region (MMR) in line with the World Economic Forum’s 2026 theme of responsibly deploying innovation on a large scale.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Dr. Milind Pimprikar of CANEUS at WEF-Davos. The proposed institute will concentrate on Mid-TRL innovation, acceleration, and skilling in frontier technologies such as Aerospace, Space, Energy, and Deeptech. CANEUS International, based in Canada, is a pioneering global organization that has been accelerating next-generation systems since 2000. The project is also supported by the Inspire4tomorrow Foundation, an NGO tasked with expediting the agenda items of the UN Pact for the Future.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reaffirmed the State’s strong dedication to the global investor community on this occasion. He stated, “Maharashtra is well-prepared and honored to collaborate with CANEUS to pioneer the establishment of innovation centers across dynamic sectors and frontier technologies. The State is proud to partner with this prestigious institute near Mumbai, which is India’s commercial capital and the world’s fourth-largest economy, perfectly aligning with Maharashtra’s goals to expand its innovation ecosystem globally.”
According to Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS International, “This institute will bridge the ‘valley of death’ by promoting Mid-TRL innovations through rapid prototyping, systems integration, validation, and flight/field trials, moving breakthroughs from the lab to qualification and early production for real-world implementation and global competitiveness. As an Indian-origin Canadian, I am proud to launch this new initiative, which will enhance the business ties between Canada and India, particularly in strategic sectors.”
Professor Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, former director of The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and co-founding member of this institute, expressed her appreciation by saying, “I am eager to bring in additional founding partners/countries that share the vision and mission of this globally first and unique institute.”
The institute, spanning an extensive 10 million square feet, will be developed in collaboration with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, regulators, research institutions, and centers of excellence. This will truly be a game-changer, acting as a powerful magnet to draw global conglomerates to India.
The partnership strongly aligns with the Government of Maharashtra’s growing focus on industry-aligned skilling through public-private partnerships, developing demand-driven training programs, strengthening institutional capabilities, and creating workforce pathways that directly support emerging and strategic sectors.
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