This study explores university-industry collaboration (UIC) within the Indian academic context using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data analysis was collected from 242 academic researchers using the Structural Similarity Modeling approach with the Partial Smallest Square Method (PLS-SEM), this study examines how attitude factors, subjective norms and behavioural controls can influence intentions as well as actual behaviour in research collaborations. This study also introduces the element of mindfulness as a moderator factor that can influence an important role in explaining the gap between intentions and behaviors, especially by emphasizing the aspect of emotional management in the context of collaboration between universities and industry (UIC). The findings of this study support the validity of the Behavior Planning Theory (TPB) framework in the Indian context by showing that the three main factors i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, and control can have a significant influence on the intention of researchers to collaborate, which ultimately translates into collaborative behavior. Mindfulness is found to moderate the intention and actual behaviour relationship, indicating that higher levels of mindfulness intensify the intensions translating to actions. This study builds on the previous university-industry collaboration (UIC) literature and confirms Planned Behaviour Theory (TPB) in the Indian context. These findings are particularly useful for practitioners and policymakers in strengthening academic-industry collaboration by highlighting the role of mindfulness to offer new perspectives in improving the effectiveness of UIC and thus contribute theoretically and practically.