European nations pitch startup partnerships with India at Huddle Global 2026
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The proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union could open up significant opportunities for Indian startups seeking to enter the European market, said panellists in a session at Kerala Startup Mission's flagship Huddle Global 2026 beach-side startup festival in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Representatives of four European countries – Italy, Finland, Switzerland and Wales – outlined potential avenues for collaboration with Indian companies, particularly in technology, research and medical technology.
Walter Ferrera, Consul General of Italy, said Indian startups could benefit significantly when the EU and India sign the FTA, which he expected to happen in the coming days. Describing Italy as an industrial powerhouse, he invited Indian technology companies to explore collaborations with Italian businesses, positioning the country as a gateway to the wider European market.
Petra Theman, Consul General of Finland, highlighted the country’s emphasis on innovation and technology, linking its global reputation for quality of life to technological advancement. Citing Nokia as an example of a Finnish company that grew into a global player, she said Finland was keen on collaborative efforts with Indian enterprises and startups. She stressed that innovation partnerships, rather than visa reforms, should be the focus of closer India-Finland ties.
Dr Angela Honegger, Consul General of Switzerland, pointed out that her country, although not an EU member, already has a free trade agreement with India. She highlighted the strong academic and research links between the two countries and cited Swissnex, Switzerland’s platform for promoting international collaboration in science, education and innovation. One area of cooperation is research to tackle superbugs in hospitals.
Eoghan O’Regan, representative of the Welsh Government in India, highlighted medtech as one of Wales’ strong sectors, with further opportunities emerging for collaboration. He said the Welsh Government was open to facilitating partnerships between Indian startups and companies in Wales. Such collaborations will also make it an attractive base for businesses looking to access the UK market.
The session was moderated by Venu Rajamani, former Indian Ambassador to the Netherlands.