With the launch of the “Innovating for Transport and Energy Systems” (ITES) initiative, created by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with Energy Systems Catapult, a UK-based non-profit center of excellence, the United Kingdom and India are poised to become the first movers in the transition to Net Zero transport systems.
The effort is a consequence of an agreement to advance research and innovation and foster economic growth in the two nations signed by their respective science ministers on April 26, 2023, in Westminster.
The new UK-India Net Zero Innovation Virtual Centre will include the initiative, which has the support of both the Indian and British governments. It aspires to create speedier, more inexpensive, and environmentally friendly alternatives for people and commodities to move throughout India and the UK.
In order to address the challenges of the decarbonization of the transportation system, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) will bring together innovators, industry heavyweights, researchers, policymakers, and investors from both countries.
“Adopting a perspective across the whole transport and energy system, ITES will consider the multiple solutions needed to deliver cleaner seas, skies, roads, and railways,” the Institute said.
Ashish Verma, Convenor of the IISc Sustainable Transportation (IST) Lab Professor, said, “ITES, which is anchored within the IST lab, will harness the UK and India’s rich reputation for R&D and the strength of our business sectors to pioneer test beds that unlock better data, clearer decision-making, and bolder collective action from industry and leaders in the transport and energy sectors.”
