A delegation of 17 UK-based companies in the technology sector — artificial intelligence and semiconductors in particular — will visit Calcutta on November 18 and 19.

UK’s first-ever tech-focused delegation to the city plans to explore business opportunities in Bengal and eastern India. The visit is significant as the state is also keen to attract investment in these emerging sectors.

Among the delegation are companies such as Airnode, Inavya Ventures, VE3, Wootzano, Pragmatic Semiconductor, Singular Intelligence, Praeferre, Digital Tactics, Bikal AI, Binary Intellect, Allot, Secqai and Redoq.

In addition to AI and semiconductors, the delegation includes companies working in advanced robotic solutions, data privacy management, legal services, and venture investment, among others.

“This visit underscores the growing relationship between the UK and India in the tech space and specifically the existing and emerging opportunities in the East and Northeast India.

“I believe interactions with the state governments and industry will foster new partnerships and strengthen our collaboration, especially in the AI and semiconductor industries,” said Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner to East and North-East India.

The British Deputy High Commission in Calcutta, in collaboration with Nasscom and Asterix Innovations, will host a series of roundtable discussions, business-to-business meetings, and networking sessions with Indian stakeholders.

“These engagements are designed to identify new opportunities for collaboration, research, innovation and investment, paving the way for future joint ventures and expanding the tech partnership between the two nations,” said a statement from the British Deputy High Commission in Calcutta.

Government sources said that the delegation is also likely to take a tour around the Silicon Valley Hub in the city where the state will showcase the present and upcoming infrastructure in the IT sector.