Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, in collaboration with British Deputy High Commission and industry partner FICCI concluded their “Global Business Innovation Programme” with a two-day visit in Kolkata on Friday.

This initiative focused on ‘Urban Systems’ and included businesses delivering Net Zero solutions for challenges such as heating and cooling, mobility, energy, the circular economy, resource measurement and management (e.g., water, waste, air), citizen engagement, sustainable behaviour change, and resilience to natural shocks.

India's vibrant innovation ecosystem, ambitious vision, and rapidly growing population demand innovative solutions. The need for improved infrastructure—water, electricity, sanitation, and affordable housing—offers opportunities for solutions with social value, tapping into vast emerging markets.

The delegation visited Kolkata and Chennai, two metropolitan cities facing similar sustainability and resilience challenges.

Both cities are part of India’s ‘100 Smart Cities’ mission, which aims to address the challenges and opportunities of urbanization over the next 30 years as 400 million people move to urban areas.

Innovate UK introduced 15 UK-based disruptive innovations, showcasing them to the Indian ecosystem and exploring collaboration and global expansion opportunities.

These innovations cover areas such as air and surface purification, renewable energy, energy storage, disaster management, insect farming, EV safety, net-zero construction, community engagement, eco-friendly packaging, solar heating, urban green infrastructure, and water tech.

In their two-day visit (25-26 July 2024) in Kolkata, the companies met over 100 Indian delegates through a Business to Business networking event with support from FICCI and were hosted by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board and New Town Kolkata Development Authority to explore how these technologies could support the state’s urbanization and Smart Cities Vision.

Murdhanya Dave, Head of India and Europe at Innovate UK, stated, "India remains a strategic partner for the UK. Through bringing the UK and Indian businesses and other organisations together we can drive prosperity and solve some of the major challenges facing society. We are committed to fostering collaborations that drive sustainable development and create long-lasting impacts in both nations."

Rishikesh Chanda, Senior Sector Manager and Lead, Infrastructure, British Deputy High Commission Kolkata said: “I welcome the UK delegation to Kolkata. Kolkata is an ideal location for a visit like this. West Bengal’s achievement in harnessing renewable energy, promoting the use of electric vehicles, waste management and recycling, sustainable urbanisation is a model for others to follow. The UK has also undertaken extensive initiatives to ensure clean air, clean transport, green spaces, low-carbon buildings and smart infrastructure create cities where people want to live and they attract talent, investment and drive growth. I hope the visit will facilitate sharing of expertise and co-development of solutions which will benefit both West Bengal and the UK.”

Sonali Ghosal, Co-Chair, FICCI West Bengal, MD, Nightingale Group of Companies said: ''FICCI West Bengal has been working closely with British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata and is really happy 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.''

Innovate UK is committed to building long-term relationships, enabling UK businesses to connect with Indian partners and collaborators, accelerating the economic growth for both countries.