Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia: Key to Achieving India's 2070 Net Zero Goal

India’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070, alongside its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlights the urgent need for enhanced climate action. Academia’s role in nurturing and upskilling emerging professionals—future decision-makers of the country—is pivotal in this journey. This chapter delves into the crucial interplay between educational frameworks, regulatory bodies, and sustainability initiatives within India’s built environment. It addresses the multifaceted challenges faced, including the often observed disconnect between academic training and the practical demands of industry. The necessity of developing skilled professionals becomes increasingly critical in India’s rapidly urbanizing context. Key areas for intervention are identified, such as the overhaul of curriculum development to integrate sustainability principles, fostering research innovation to drive novel solutions, enhancing knowledge dissemination through academic–industry partnerships, and establishing green academic campuses to serve as living laboratories of sustainability. Furthermore, this chapter highlights the importance of collaborative efforts amongst academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to produce professionals who are not only industry-ready but also equipped to lead and implement sustainable practices. Through proactive engagement and interdisciplinary approaches, academia can play a transformative role in creating a resilient and sustainable built environment in India, preparing future leaders to address pressing climate challenges effectively.