20 Indian companies selected for expansion in London

Twenty of India’s fastest growing companies have been recognised by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. They have been picked to join his India Emerging 20 (IE20) business programme. These companies range from a cybersecurity startup that protects organisations against hackers, an artificial intelligence firm which provides humanlike conversation platform to a brand which has a chain of tea and snacks stores.

The firms, chosen from more than 300 applications, will receive help in setting up or expanding their business in London. “London is a truly global business centre and presents lots of opportunities for Indian companies looking to expand their business overseas,” said the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, in a statement. Winners will also have the opportunity benefit from discounted rates on a London office and advice on marketing, access to finance and market analysis.

The IE20 programme which was launched by the Mayor of London’s official promotional agency, London & Partners aims to identify some of India’s most ambitious companies that are considering international expansion.

One of the firms selected for this year’s programme is Hyderabad-based Hug Innovations. It is developing Internet of Things platforms that allows users to complete tasks including controlling apps, electronics, toys and home automation using hand gestures. Another company that was selected is Chai Point, a chain of tea and snacks stores. It sells 0.3 million cups of 'chai' a day to customers across all its channels – stores, delivery and dispensers.

“IE20 is an important element of the U.K.-India Technology-Partnership which was agreed by our two Prime ministers in April and formally launched in India last week by Digital and Culture Secretary, Matt Hancock,” said British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru, Dominic McAllister, in a statement.