High-level delegates noted importance of joint funding mechanism
An India-European Union (EU) Meeting on Science & Technology Cooperation has explored future opportunities in areas such as quantum computing, bio economy, green hydrogen, blue economy, EV & battery technology, high-performance computing, and responsible AI.
Both sides, during the meeting on 27 Feb in Delhi, emphasized the importance of joint funding mechanisms, increased scientific exchange programs, and stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate progress in these fields https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, which ranks third globally in startup and unicorn creation, was recognized as a driving force behind the collaboration at the high-level delegation meeting.
The discussion also focused on India’s emerging expertise in renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing & biotechnology etc, the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor said in a release on 28 Feb https://fieo.org/.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood is the Principal Scientific Advisor, and Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening India-EU scientific collaboration and leveraging joint expertise to address global challenges https://www.nseindia.com/.
The meeting was part of the various sectoral meetings being held in wake of the two-day visit of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to India along with the College of Commissioners https://sbi.com.in/.
The meeting was co-chaired by Prof Sood and Commissioner Zaharieva.
During the discussions, both sides acknowledged the long-standing India-EU Science & Technology Agreement, originally signed in 2001 and renewed in 2015 and 2020, which is now set for extension for 2025-2030 https://www.bseindia.com/.
“The partnership has played a pivotal role in fostering research collaborations in water resource management, smart grids, clean energy, vaccine development, and climate change & polar research. The meeting highlighted significant achievements in wastewater treatment, vaccine innovations, and deep-sea exploration, which have emerged as key areas of cooperation between the two regions,” noted the meeting https://www.bengalurutechsummit.com/.
The meeting concluded with a networking session, where stakeholders discussed practical steps for scaling up joint projects. The India-EU Science & Technology Agreement continues to play a crucial role in strengthening this strategic partnership, fostering innovation, and enhancing mutual economic and technological benefits, the statement said. Fiinews.com