New Delhi: Adam Gilchrist may have retired from International cricket, but the champion wicketkeeper-batsman from Australia still went in to bat for the University of Wollongongas (UOW) (New South Wales, Australia).

This month Adam Gilchrist visited India as an ambassador for the UOW and its Innovation Campus.

Last September, Gilchrist visited India with UOW's Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton to promote opportunities for Indian information and communications technology (ICT) companies to establish Australian operations in Wollongong at the Innovation Campus.

This month, Gilchrist and the University's Vice-Principal (Administration) Chris Grange hosted meetings with key industry leaders in Chennai (October 24), Pune (October 26), Mumbai (October 27) and New Delhi (October 28).

UOW's Director of Corporate Relations, Craig Peden said that during this month's trip, Gilchrist and UOW would join with the Chief Executive Officer of one of India's international ICT companies to announce the company's plans to establish an IT Innovations centre in Australia at the Innovation Campus.

Mr. Peden said that last year's visit generated considerable interest among Indian companies, who were impressed by the opportunities available at the Innovation Campus to establish research and development partnerships with UOW research teams.

"Adam's first year as our ambassador has been a great success, so we are delighted that he has agreed to continue in the role," Mr. Peden said.

"On the back of the first visit, we have reached agreement with one Indian company and are in advanced discussions with a number of other ICT organizations who see distinct advantages in establishing future Australian operations at the Innovation Campus," he said.

"They know that if they are to succeed in Australia, they need local knowledge and expertise. "They are looking to Wollongong because the University can offer a steady source of well-trained graduates, research and development partnerships and a modern campus environment."