The UK Government launched a £4 million 'Innovation Challenge Fund' in India at an event in Pune on 27 January.
The Funds support collaborative research into emerging technologies. The fund will encourage industry and academia to collaborate and develop tech solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in India. The initiative is focused on two major tech clusters: AI/Data in Karnataka and Future Mobility in Maharashtra. The successful bidders will likely have international partners, including from the UK.
The Innovation Challenge Fund is one of several exciting new initiatives of the UK-India Tech Partnership. This Partnership – a world first – was agreed by the Indian and British Prime Ministers with a vision of unleashing the potential of emerging technologies to support innovation, growth, and jobs in both countries.
The details about Innovation Challenge fund can be found at http://bit.ly/2TPKNFn
British Deputy High Commissioner to India, Jan Thompson said: "The UK technology sector is a huge success story and its products have an incredible power to improve people's lives. I am delighted to announce the launch of this important fund which shows the UK and India working together as a force for good to address the key challenges facing India today. The UK and India are leaders in the development and use of digital tech, and there is a huge amount we can learn from each other and big opportunities to join forces."
The Head of the UK-India Tech Partnership, Karen McLuskie said: "At this event we make good on the instructions of the Indian and UK Prime Ministers to 'bring together some of the best minds on tech' to address the global challenges that affect us all, and realise the potential of innovation to drive growth for the benefit of everyone. When we bring our different strengths and perspectives together, we become a powerful force for good in the world."
Leading scientists, prominent industry representatives, businesses and innovators in the Maharashtra transport sector, along with a large UK Future Mobility trade delegation attended the launch event.
