The ‘UK-Kolkata Interactive Session with Tech Startups’ event by The British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata saw 22 startups from various sectors in attendance.

The event was held to bring together startups with a focus on technology. “There is a perception that business climate is not conducive in Kolkata and East India, but perceptions can be wrong,” Bruce Bucknell said. “In eastern India, and especially Kolkata, there is much potential with many startups springing up in the city. The Government of West Bengal is opening up with the Silicon Valley Park in New Town. TCS has its largest campus in India in New Town, Kolkata.”

Bruce Bucknell was the host of the event and is the current British Deputy High Commissioner Kolkata. Other attendees of the event included NASSCOM, Confederate of Indian Industry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, and Neoleap (a startup accelerator from Kolkata).

In addition, representation from MIDAS attended the event, held at British Club Kolkata, via video call to speak to the audience. The interactive session was held on August 9, 2018 and consisted of startups based in Kolkata.

The video call with MIDAS included information in regards to startups setting up and running in Manchester as well as the benefits of doing business there.

At the event, the TECH Rocketship Awards 2018-19 for Indian Startups was also announced, an award program by the UK government, which have assisted 40 startups in expanding into the UK markets.

“I would like to see more and more startups from Kolkata, eastern and northeastern region applying for the TECH Rocketship Awards,” Bucknell said.

The program which is accepting applications until September 17 can assist startups in aspects such as company growth and international expansion among others.