ICDK Bangalore's efforts to position research and innovation at the heart of the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark culminated in Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's visit to Delhi in October 2021. The visit focused on SDG collaborations, water technology, and green research funding.
Green Innovation at the Heart of Indo-Danish Cooperation
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s visit to India in 2021 marked a milestone for the Green Strategic Partnership, highlighting how research and innovation drive the bilateral relationship. A central part of the visit took place at a local school's "Tinkering Lab," an initiative supported by ICDK Bangalore and Niti Aayog - Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Here, the Prime Minister met with young inventors, underlining that entrepreneurship and equality are the foundation of the future Indo-Danish friendship.
This collaboration has already led to significant results within water and energy technology. Through the AIM-ICDK Water Challenge, young entrepreneurs are bringing sustainable solutions to the market, supported by a new partnership between Water Valley Denmark and the Pune Knowledge Cluster. Simultaneously, Denmark and India are intensifying their focus on green hydrogen and renewable energy through the global Mission Innovation initiative, aiming to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives.
Beyond climate solutions, the partnership has expanded into health and life sciences. Following the pandemic, a strategic agreement between the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Indian government has launched extensive research into cardiometabolic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. These efforts are all part of a long-term Joint Action Plan, where Innovation Centre Denmark acts as the primary bridge, helping researchers and companies turn global challenges into shared green solutions for the years to come.
