Indian Smart Cities Market Represents Opportunity For UK Entrepreneurs

A major UK-India initiative in November will hand UK entrepreneurs the opportunity to establish themselves in the multi-billion pound smart cities market in India.

Innovate UK is currently looking for innovative SMEs to apply to join the Connected Cities Mission to India between 6-12 November.

Successful businesses will have the opportunity to participate in the India-UK Tech Summit in New Delhi, to take part in market briefings, to visit other cities including Pune and Kochi, and to pitch to potential customers, partners and investors.

The Mission is a joint initiative between Innovate UK, the Department for International Trade, Enterprise Europe Network, and the Future Cities Catapult and will form part of a series of UK-India missions organised by DIT to tie in with the India-UK Tech Summit.

Between now and 2050, some 600 million people will move into cities so the challenges, and the opportunities, are massive.

 

Niraj Saraf, Innovate UK’s mission lead, said: “India is currently approximately 30 per cent urbanised. What that’s likely to mean is that between now and 2050, some 600 million people will move into cities so the challenges, and the opportunities, are massive. A smart cities programme is under way which will see India develop 100 smart cities.

“UK companies are at the forefront of innovation in smart cities technologies. The opportunities for UK entrepreneurs and SMEs are therefore very significant and I’d urge those interested in developing ties to the Indian smart cities market to apply for this Mission.”

The Mission is likely to offer opportunities in:

· Waste management

· The circular economy

· Water and Waste Water Management

· Hygiene

· Greater access to open public spaces and pedestrian friendly infrastructure

· Intelligent transport

This latest mission follows a successful Connected Cities Mission to South East Asia in March 2016 when 10 businesses were able to showcase their expertise and make connections which are already generating value.

Companies interested in taking part should contact https://www.events.ukti.gov.uk/connected-cities-trade-delegation/ for more information.