UrbanChain explores opportunities in India as part of Prime Minister’s trade mission and Innovate UK’s Global Business Incubator Programme

UrbanChain’s Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mo Hajhashem, recently joined a UK delegation to India along with the Prime Minister’s major trade mission and Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme in Urban Systems.

The trade mission visit — which brought together 125 leading UK entrepreneurs, CEOs, university leaders and cultural figures — marked a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the UK and India on trade, innovation and sustainable growth.

UrbanChain’s participation was supported by Innovate UK, an acceleration program for innovative companies to work with world-leading incubators abroad.

Q: What was the purpose of UrbanChain’s visit to India?

A: This was part of the Global Business Incubator Programme in India – Urban Systems, organised by Innovate UK. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with policymakers, regulators, renewable energy developers and corporate clients across India. We wanted to understand their needs, their challenges, and their ambitions for achieving 24/7 renewable energy.

We also had the honour of having the Prime Minister’s trade mission, where Keir Starmer travelled to India with 125 business leaders. His presence gave strong support to the internationalisation of UK businesses and clean-tech. Over my eight day visit, UrbanChain formed multiple pacts and agreements that will have a meaningful impact for our Indian counterparts going forward.

Q: What did you take away from the meetings and events during your trip?

A: This important visit gave us access to high-level discussions with regulators, policymakers, renewable groups and major corporate energy buyers. We also held positive meetings with the Governments of Mumbai and Delhi, and the British High Commission in Chennai, as well as with universities and research centres such as IIT Madras (Indian Institute of Technology Madras), one of India’s most prominent academic institutions.

I also attended a dinner hosted by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce, where I met with government members and several prominent family office groups. These engagements were invaluable in understanding how UrbanChain’s technology and renewable operating system can support India’s transition to clean, decentralised energy systems.

Q: You also attended the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025 — what was that experience like?

A: The Summit was inspiring. It was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K Stalin, who delivered a powerful speech on India’s digital technology landscape and innovation potential. We also heard from senior ministers, including Piyush Goyal, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia — India’s Union Minister for Communications — and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Space, who had recently delivered a keynote address during the Satcom Summit within the IMC (Indian Mobile Congress).

Being part of that dialogue — hearing first-hand how India is positioning itself as a global innovation leader — was both motivating and affirming. It’s clear that India’s momentum toward technology-driven sustainability aligns closely with UrbanChain’s mission.

Q: How do you see India’s clean energy landscape developing?

A: India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world, and I’m confident it will become the third-largest by 2030. That kind of growth demands reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Energy is not a luxury for India — it’s essential to power its expansion, attract multinational companies and create more employment.

We found that India is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to renewable energy regulation. The ambition to scale up is clear, but there are still technical and operational challenges around how grids are designed and managed. That’s where UrbanChain’s renewable energy operating system can play a major role.

Q: What’s next for UrbanChain in India?

A: Our immediate goal is to establish India’s first local energy markets, starting in Delhi and Mumbai. We’re currently finalising discussions with local governments, policymakers, renewable asset developers and multinational companies — including those in the data centre and pharmaceutical sectors — to bring this vision to life.

Our technology connects renewable generators directly with end users, enabling traceable, affordable, 24/7 clean power. We see this as a major step in supporting India’s journey to become the energy powerhouse of the Asia-Pacific region.