UK and India sign a multimillion-pound programme of co-operation on commercialisation of research
The new programme further strengthens the UK India research and innovation partnership.
(L-R) Iain Gray, Gray, Chief Executive Technology Strategy Board UK, Harkesh Kumar Mittal, Secretary Technology Strategy Board India and David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science
The POC was signed on 12 March at the Innovate UK conference in London, in the presence of Rt Hon Minister David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science.
The UK and the Indian Government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) have agreed to undertake a joint programme to support innovative UK and Indian businesses which are working together on the commercialisation of research in a range of key areas including energy and healthcare. The POC was signed on 12 March at the Innovate UK conference in London, in the presence of Rt Hon Minister David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science.
The new programme further strengthens the UK India research and innovation partnership, which was one of the themes during Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to India last month. It will enable the two countries to build on current collaborations in the thematic areas covered. The agreement is also the first ever international partnership the Technology Strategy Board has signed outside of Europe. The Programme of Co-operation will see the TSB and the Indian GITA, sponsored by the Indian Government, supporting UK and Indian businesses and academics in joint R&D and innovation projects over a three year period.
On signing the agreement Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, said:
These programmes not only help build and strengthen links between countries but will help build the international partnerships between businesses so vital in today’s global economy.
This programme is the first agreed between the two organisations and is expected to expand further over time, for the mutual benefit of businesses from both countries. India is a rapidly growing economy which provides huge opportunities for innovative UK businesses. By working with similar Indian businesses, UK companies are able to understand the needs of this vibrant and fast-moving market. The support of the Technology Strategy Board will help them build partnerships and will support joint, collaborative R&D and innovation projects.
Sir James Bevan, British High Commissioner to India said:
I am extremely happy to note that the Technology Strategy Board, UK is working with partners in India. This is a welcome step in addition to the UK and India research partnerships which have grown from less than £1m in 2008, to over £100m today. Just as those research partnerships support pre-commercial research done by our institutions, this new programme will now also directly create new opportunities for innovative businesses to work together.
Further information
About the Technology Strategy Board: The TSB is the UK’s innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy
The Global Innovation and Technology Alliance: The GITA is a Not-for-Profit (Section 25) PPP Company, promoted jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. GITA works to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem through supporting and enabling technology and innovation driven enterprises.
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