Bengaluru, October 20:
The Government of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the University of York, United Kingdom, to strengthen collaboration in innovation, research and technology.
The LoI was signed in the presence of David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, following a meeting with Karnataka’s Minister for Home, IT/BT and E-Governance, Priyank Kharge.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in innovation, research, technology, entrepreneurship, startup market access and institutional partnerships. Key focus areas include the bioeconomy, clean technology, agri-tech and digital technologies. It also aims to promote joint research, pilot projects, knowledge exchange and stronger academic-industry collaboration.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities in sustainability, solid waste management, water conservation, mobility, security and policing, as well as expanding partnerships between universities and research institutions.
York and North Yorkshire bring expertise in bioeconomy, industrial biotechnology, sustainable chemistry, agricultural innovation and clean technologies, while Karnataka offers a globally recognized ecosystem in biotechnology, digital technologies, startups and engineering talent.
Minister Priyank Kharge said Karnataka’s Global Innovation Alliance provides a strong platform to advance the partnership. He noted that both sides share common priorities and will identify key areas for collaboration over the next three years, including joint innovation programmes, Centres of Excellence, government-to-government partnerships and focused pilot projects, particularly in sustainability, waste management and creating economic value from waste.
He emphasized that the collaboration should evolve into a practical working framework with clearly identified institutional partners and measurable outcomes.
The partnership will now focus on identifying priority sectors and translating the LoI into joint pilot projects, research collaborations, startup linkages and commercialization opportunities.
