KOLKATA: Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency, in collaboration with the British Deputy High Commission and industry partner FICCI, concluded its Global Business Innovation Programme with a two-day visit to Kolkata on Friday.
The focus of this initiative was on “urban systems” and included companies delivering net-zero solutions to challenges such as heating and cooling, mobility, energy, circular economy, resource measurement and management, citizen participation, sustainable behavior change and resilience to natural disasters.
The delegation visited Kolkata and Chennai, the two metropolises that are part of the country's 100 Smart Cities mission, which aims to address the challenges and opportunities of urbanization over the next 30 years.
During the two-day visit, the companies met over 100 Indian delegates at a business-to-business networking event supported by FICCI and were invited by the West Bengal Pollution Control Authority and the New Town Kolkata Development Authority to explore how these technologies could support the state's urbanization and smart city vision.
Murdhanya Dave, Head of India and Europe at Innovate UK, said: “India remains a strategic partner for the UK. By bringing together British and Indian businesses and other organisations, we can drive prosperity and solve some of society's biggest challenges. We are committed to fostering collaborations that drive sustainable development and have long-term impact in both countries.”
Rishikesh Chanda, Senior Sector Manager and Head of Infrastructure at the British Vice High Commission in Kolkata, said: “I welcome the British delegation to Kolkata. Kolkata is an ideal place for a visit like this. West Bengal's achievements in harnessing renewable energy, promoting the use of electric vehicles, waste management and recycling and sustainable urbanisation are a model for others. The UK has also taken extensive initiatives to ensure that clean air, clean transport, green spaces, low-carbon buildings and smart infrastructure create cities that people enjoy living in, attract talent and investment and drive growth. I hope the visit will facilitate the sharing of expertise and co-development of solutions that will benefit both West Bengal and the UK.”
Sonali Ghosal, Co-Chair, FICCI West Bengal, said, “FICCI West Bengal has been working closely with the UK Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and is very pleased to partner with Innovate UK and UKRI to explore business opportunities, identify potential strategic partners for the delegation and engage with key stakeholders in the smart city and urban development ecosystem.”