States » SouthPosted at: Nov 13 2026 8:04PM


European countries explore startup partnerships with India at Huddle Global 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 13 (UNI) The proposed India-European union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to create significant opportunities for Indian startups to expand into European markets, representatives of four European countries said at a panel discussion held as part of Huddle Global 2026, the beachside startup festival at Kovalam.
Representatives from Italy, Finland, Switzerland and Wales highlighted the scope for partnerships with Indian startups and technology companies in areas including innovation, research, industrial technology and medical technology.
Walter Ferrera, Consul General of Italy, said the proposed India-EU FTA, expected to be signed shortly, would provide fresh opportunities for Indian startups to access European markets. Describing Italy as an industrial powerhouse, he invited Indian technology companies to explore business and technological partnerships with Italian enterprises, noting that the country could serve as a gateway to the wider European market.
Petra Theman, Consul General of Finland, highlighted her country's strengths in innovation and technology, which have contributed to its international reputation for quality of life. Citing Nokia as an example of a Finnish enterprise that evolved into a global technology player, she said Finland was keen to strengthen collaborative initiatives with Indian companies and startups. She emphasised that innovation-driven partnerships should be the focus of India-Finland relations rather than visa-related reforms.
Dr Angela Honegger, Consul General of Switzerland, pointed out that Switzerland, despite not being a member of the European Union, already had a free trade agreement with India. She highlighted the longstanding academic and research cooperation between the two countries and referred to Swissnex, Switzerland's platform for promoting international collaboration in science, education and innovation.
She also cited research cooperation aimed at addressing the challenge of superbugs in hospitals as an example of the potential for scientific collaboration between India and Switzerland.
Eoghan O'Regan, representative of the Welsh Government in India, identified medical technology as one of Wales' major strengths and said there was considerable scope for expanding cooperation with Indian startups. The Welsh Government was willing to facilitate partnerships between Indian enterprises and companies in Wales, he said, adding that such collaborations could also help Indian businesses establish a presence in the UK market.
The discussion was moderated by Venu Rajamani, former Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands.
UNI DS
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