A UK tech delegation, comprising representatives from 17 organizations, visited East India to explore collaboration opportunities in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and semiconductors. The delegation, which included businesses and government departments, aimed to strengthen UK-India partnerships and uncover synergies in these cutting-edge sectors.
“We had an enlightening discussion with the UK delegates. We are looking forward to investment from them in the tech sector of West Bengal. The state is ready to help them expand business in the state,” Babul Supriyo, Minister of Information Technology and Electronics of West Bengal told the media.
Industry Roundtable And Government Engagements
A key highlight of the visit was a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, where the UK delegation engaged with major Indian stakeholders. Notable discussions took place with NASSCOM, India’s leading trade association for the tech industry, and British Telecom, focusing on the vast potential for cross-border collaboration in AI, ML, and next-generation telecommunications.
The delegation also participated in an industry roundtable, bringing together system integrators, Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and semiconductor firms. These discussions centered on identifying collaboration opportunities between UK and Indian companies, particularly in the semiconductor manufacturing and broader tech ecosystem.
Engagements with government officials were another key element of the visit. In Odisha, the IT and MSME departments held a focused roundtable to showcase the state’s tech initiatives and opportunities for collaboration. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the IT Minister outlined the state’s ambitious vision to become a leading tech hub, emphasizing its commitment to fostering technological innovation and attracting international partnerships.
Site Visits, B2B Engagements & Semi Conductor Collaborations
As part of the program, the UK delegation visited several prominent sites to gain firsthand insights into India’s technological advancements. They toured TCG Crest, where they explored the AI and Quantum Lab at the forefront of AI and quantum research. A visit to the TCS Geetanjali Campus offered an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn more about the role of AI and digital transformation in India’s tech landscape.
The B2B engagements saw strong participation, with over 60 Indian companies joining the event to explore potential collaborations. The focus was on building lasting business relationships, particularly in the semiconductor and AI/ML sectors.
A significant outcome of the visit was the discussions with GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor company, regarding its new facility in Kolkata. These talks highlighted the growing semiconductor ecosystem in East India and explored opportunities for UK companies to engage in the region’s semiconductor manufacturing and innovation efforts.
Academia also played a vital role, with discussions exploring collaborative opportunities with institutions such as Indian Institute of Kolkata. Areas of focus included AI/ML research and startup ecosystems, laying the groundwork for future academic-industry partnerships that will drive innovation in these fields.
Andrew Fleming, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, said, “There are many reasons why UK tech firms want to come over to Kolkata, the most important being good work environment and talent pool. During the pandemic, the attrition rate was found to be low in the city.” Fleming accompanied the delegates at the meeting with the minister.
Before We Leave, Parting Thoughts
The UK Tech Delegation’s visit to East India successfully laid the foundation for stronger UK-India partnerships in emerging technologies. The program not only highlighted the immense potential of East and North-East India for future tech collaborations but also reinforced the prospects for long-term cooperation in AI, ML, and semiconductors.
Special thanks are extended to the Governments of West Bengal and Odisha, NASSCOM, Astrix Innovation, and all colleagues whose support made this exchange possible. The program has paved the way for continued growth and collaboration between the UK and East India in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
Fleming further noted, “While cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru offer advantages, Kolkata stands out with its lower cost of living, strong staff retention, and rich talent pool. Post-pandemic, British Telecom’s Kolkata office was among the first globally to resume full operations. This visit has already led to a commitment from Redoq to create 560 jobs next year, and we are confident it will open doors for even more success stories.”
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