Latest news with #IGFLondon2025
Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
"We Now Need to Create Opportunities Across Sectors" - UK Minister Patrick Vallance Urges Deeper UK-India Science Partnerships
PRNewswire New Delhi [India] / London [UK], June 20: At the Future Frontiers Forum hosted by IGF London, Patrick J. Vallance, UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, called for intensified UK-India collaboration in science and technology, urging both nations to align their innovation priorities and unlock sector-wide opportunities. * Science Museum hosts IGF Future Frontiers Forum spotlighting science, tech & innovation collaboration between India and UK "The industrial strategy coming out in just a couple of weeks which will list the eight sectors we are working on. That's got to be a good foundation for where there can be partnerships," Vallance stated. "India has its focus areas, we have ours, now we need to create opportunities across those sectors." Speaking at the Science Museum, Vallance emphasised the importance of people-to-people scientific ties: "I believe government-to-government relationships in science do not drive everything; we must also create scientist-to-scientist relationships. Academic links and the exchange of people often drive collaborations. Start-ups in particular are becoming central to the innovation ecosystem, and we need more of them in the UK-India mix." The forum, part of IGF London 2025, brought together government leaders, global CEOs, investors, and academics to explore frontier technologies across AI, climate tech, sustainable energy, health innovation, and quantum computing. Opening the event, Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum, celebrated the UK-India Science and Innovation Partnership Roadmap and its focus on critical and emerging technologies. "The Technology Security Initiative is a landmark step," he said. "Imperial College's science hub in Bengaluru will drive collaboration in AI, healthtech, cleantech, and advanced materials, backed by $170 million in joint UK-India funding." India's Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the FTA's role in strengthening innovation ecosystems: "It's not just about trade or investment. The FTA demonstrates that India and the UK are friends and allies. Innovation in India happens at a fraction of global costs. What takes 10x the cost in the US or Europe can be done efficiently in India, with mutual benefit." Sir Oliver Dowden, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, reinforced the values-based alignment between the two democracies: "We must deepen ties with like-minded nations. UK and India share heritage, rule of law, and a commitment to science. Whether it's 6G or quantum, setting international standards together creates a win-win." Health innovation was another key focus, with leaders like Lord Ara Darzi, Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare), and Monica Huang (Zydus Lifesciences) exploring how India's affordable, tech-driven models could support the UK's struggling NHS. "The NHS isn't in critical condition, but it needs urgent reform," said Lord Darzi. "India's transformative health solutions and COVID-era support show the intellectual and production power we must now collaborate with." A major highlight was the return of Pitchers and Punters, a curated showcase of Indian start-ups pitching to a jury of international investors. Among the standout companies were Zypp Electric, Lina Energy, Steamology Motion Ltd and Electric Miles--with Zypp Electric winning the Clean Tech Award, presented by Octopus Energy. The punters included Neha Manaktala (JP Morgan Climate Tech), Richard Heald (EET), James Edison (Octopus Energy) and Bhavit Sheth (Dream11 & Dream Sports) who praised the depth of Indian innovation in sustainability and AI. Other sessions featured voices like Daniel D'Souza (DreamSetGo), Reena Dayal (Quantum Ecosystems Council of India), and experts from EET, exploring opportunities across deep tech, telecom, and digital health. As global tech landscapes grow more complex and fragmented, IGF London's Future Frontiers Forum showcased a clear vision: the UK and India must build trusted, innovation-led alliances that translate ambition into scalable action. The forum forms part of IGF London 2025. With over 100+ speakers, 1000 participants, and events across iconic venues in London, IGF London 2025 encompasses a spectrum of topics - from technology and trade to culture and commerce. This year's edition marks a powerful milestone - a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark 2015 visit to the UK, and the two nations have finalised the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement. IGF London is the first major international platform to celebrate and analyse this historic achievement, unlock new opportunities that emerge from its conclusion, and shape the next phase of UK-India collaboration. About India Global Forum India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity. To know more, click here. Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa LinkedIn: India Global Forum #IGFLondon
The Wire
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Wire
'We Now Need to Create Opportunities Across Sectors' - UK Minister Patrick Vallance Urges Deeper UK–India Science Partnerships
Science Museum hosts IGF Future Frontiers Forum spotlighting science, tech & innovation collaboration between India and UK NEW DELHI and LONDON, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Future Frontiers Forum hosted by IGF London, Patrick J. Vallance, UK Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, called for intensified UK–India collaboration in science and technology, urging both nations to align their innovation priorities and unlock sector-wide opportunities. "The industrial strategy coming out in just a couple of weeks which will list the eight sectors we are working on. That's got to be a good foundation for where there can be partnerships," Vallance stated. "India has its focus areas, we have ours, now we need to create opportunities across those sectors." Speaking at the Science Museum, Vallance emphasised the importance of people-to-people scientific ties: "I believe government-to-government relationships in science do not drive everything; we must also create scientist-to-scientist relationships. Academic links and the exchange of people often drive collaborations. Start-ups in particular are becoming central to the innovation ecosystem, and we need more of them in the UK–India mix." The forum, part of IGF London 2025, brought together government leaders, global CEOs, investors, and academics to explore frontier technologies across AI, climate tech, sustainable energy, health innovation, and quantum computing. Opening the event, Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum, celebrated the UK–India Science and Innovation Partnership Roadmap and its focus on critical and emerging technologies. "The Technology Security Initiative is a landmark step," he said. "Imperial College's science hub in Bengaluru will drive collaboration in AI, healthtech, cleantech, and advanced materials, backed by $170 million in joint UK–India funding." India's Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the FTA's role in strengthening innovation ecosystems: "It's not just about trade or investment. The FTA demonstrates that India and the UK are friends and allies. Innovation in India happens at a fraction of global costs. What takes 10x the cost in the US or Europe can be done efficiently in India, with mutual benefit." Sir Oliver Dowden, former UK Deputy Prime Minister, reinforced the values-based alignment between the two democracies: "We must deepen ties with like-minded nations. UK and India share heritage, rule of law, and a commitment to science. Whether it's 6G or quantum, setting international standards together creates a win-win." Health innovation was another key focus, with leaders like Lord Ara Darzi, Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare), and Monica Huang (Zydus Lifesciences) exploring how India's affordable, tech-driven models could support the UK's struggling NHS. "The NHS isn't in critical condition, but it needs urgent reform," said Lord Darzi. "India's transformative health solutions and COVID-era support show the intellectual and production power we must now collaborate with." A major highlight was the return of Pitchers and Punters, a curated showcase of Indian start-ups pitching to a jury of international investors. Among the standout companies were Zypp Electric, Lina Energy, Steamology Motion Ltd and Electric Miles—with Zypp Electric winning the Clean Tech Award, presented by Octopus Energy. The punters included Neha Manaktala (JP Morgan Climate Tech), Richard Heald (EET), James Edison (Octopus Energy) and Bhavit Sheth (Dream11 & Dream Sports) who praised the depth of Indian innovation in sustainability and AI. Other sessions featured voices like Daniel D'Souza (DreamSetGo), Reena Dayal (Quantum Ecosystems Council of India), and experts from EET, exploring opportunities across deep tech, telecom, and digital health. As global tech landscapes grow more complex and fragmented, IGF London's Future Frontiers Forum showcased a clear vision: the UK and India must build trusted, innovation-led alliances that translate ambition into scalable action. The forum forms part of IGF London 2025. With over 100 speakers, 1000 participants, and events across iconic venues in London, IGF London 2025 encompasses a spectrum of topics - from technology and trade to culture and commerce. This year's edition marks a powerful milestone - a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark 2015 visit to the UK, and the two nations have finalised the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement. IGF London is the first major international platform to celebrate and analyse this historic achievement, unlock new opportunities that emerge from its conclusion, and shape the next phase of UK-India collaboration. About India Global Forum India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity. To know more, click here. Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa LinkedIn: India Global Forum #IGFLondon Photo: Logo - (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-UK FTA: Focused on doing trade deals to complement, not compete, says Goyal; 'massive investments' in innovation sector over the next decade
Union minister for commerce and industry on Thursday said that India is in trade dialogues with the countries with whom it does not compete rather can complement with the economies involved. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at an India Global Forum session on UK-India collaboration, the minister highlighted the opportunities that trade agreements create, both for the two countries and the global economy. Speaking at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Goyal rejected claims that the insurance concession was one-sided. 'It's unfair to call it a giveaway,' he said. 'The agreement provides stability and predictability to business and benefits workers from both sides. In fact, similar arrangements exist in many countries, and this is a win-win for mobility and trade.' He added that it was a matter of fairness: 'They should not be double taxed, as they pay social security costs in the UK and India.' UK Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed Goyal's remarks, affirming that the deal would not disadvantage British workers. 'No British worker is undercut by this UK–India FTA agreement,' Reynolds said. 'Business mobility has improved due to this; in turn, it has improved access to services and procurement.' The joint appearance signalled a strong political will to deepen bilateral ties. 'There is hardly anything in which India and the UK compete; we complement each other,' Goyal said, adding confidently: 'I believe this partnership is a good marriage. I see bilateral trade doubling in the next five years.' Reynolds spoke about India's strategic importance: 'India is one of the most exciting countries in the world, and actually one of the most important. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the problems we face globally, I can't see any way to fix those without India playing a leading role.' Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman of the India Global Forum, also emphasised the future-driven focus of the UK–India partnership. 'We at IGF are building partnerships for the future. Powered by three key forces—Technology, Talent and Capital—we are linking Global Britain and Global India in tangible and transformative ways,' he said. Day one of IGF London 2025 set the tone for a dynamic three, day summit, featuring more than 100 speakers and over 1,000 participants. With sessions across iconic London venues, the forum is tackling bold themes including AI, energy transition, healthtech, geopolitics, and the creative economy, further energising the FTA's momentum.
Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India Global Forum Welcomes the Signing of the Historic UK-India Free Trade Agreement
PRNewswire London [UK], May 7: As the United Kingdom and India announce a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), India Global Forum (IGF) and the UK India Future Forum (UKIFF) commend the sustained efforts of both governments in achieving this landmark economic milestone. We acknowledge the complexities involved in such negotiations and recognise the dedication of all stakeholders in navigating these challenges. The UK-India FTA signifies more than a trade pact; it embodies a shared vision for a comprehensive strategic partnership. It reflects a mutual commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange between our two nations. Over the years, IGF has served as a critical platform facilitating dialogue among policymakers, business leaders, and civil society, consistently bridging contexts, and promoting collaboration across sectors. Manoj Ladwa, Founder & Chairman, India Global Forum and UK India Future Forum said: "My congratulations to Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Kier Starmer, as well as the negotiation teams of both countries. FTAs are notoriously complex and this truly is a remarkable achievement that will serve both countries well. This agreement represents a significant milestone in UK-India relations, underscoring the potential of our partnership and the opportunities that lie ahead. It is a testament to what can be achieved when diplomacy, pragmatism, and partnership come together with purpose, and of course, it is proof that democracies work best when democracies work together." Looking ahead, IGF remains committed to supporting the implementation of this agreement. We will continue to provide spaces for constructive dialogue, monitor progress, and encourage initiatives that deepen UK-India ties, particularly at our upcoming flagship programme in the UK, IGF London 2025. IGF London (June 16-20) will be the first major international platform to celebrate this achievement and to explore its real-world impact. The signing of the agreement, a decade since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral visit to Britain, underscores how far the UK-India relationship has progressed, anchored in mutual strategic interest, economic ambition, and shared global outlook. India Global Forum is a global affairs organisation that tells the story of contemporary India. We believe India's pace of change and growth presents limitless opportunities to the world -- and we're the gateway to seize them. Our initiatives accelerate prosperity and global resilience, connect India's tech and innovation ecosystem to the world, promote proactive climate leadership for a sustainable future, drive empowerment through diversity in business and society, and inspire creativity to help shape our future. And with headline events across multiple continents, we bring together the world's most influential changemakers who are setting the agenda, right now. To know more, click here Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa LinkedIn: India Global Forum Photo - Logo - (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
