LONDON (Oct 4) – A new India-UK research collaboration between Imperial College London and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to harness quantum computing and biotechnology for climate-resilient agriculture is set to be a key highlight of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to Mumbai next week.
The joint project aims to use quantum algorithms to study and enhance soil microbes, helping farmers cultivate stronger, more climate-resilient crops in arid and drought-prone regions.
Officials said the initiative builds on quantum technologies as a central pillar of the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI) — a framework signed last year to strengthen collaboration on emerging technologies, cyber resilience, and supply chain security.
The quantum-agriculture partnership will be among the key announcements expected during the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, which opens in Mumbai on Tuesday. Starmer is set to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the event, where both leaders are likely to discuss deep tech innovation, climate-focused cooperation, and bilateral trade expansion.
The India-UK TSI also covers cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, AI safety, and 6G development, reflecting both nations’ efforts to position themselves as leaders in secure and ethical technology ecosystems.