Nasscom partners SmartCity for knowledge hubs

The National Association of Software & Services (Nasscom) and SmartCity today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Malta Ministry of Economy, Investment and Small Business, at Palazzo Zondadori in Malta.

The MoU aims to contribute to the growth and development of the knowledge industry, with special emphasis on software, IT services, internet, e-commerce, IT-enabled services, smart services, cloud computing and telecommunications. It will also help create self-sustaining models that will enable the rapid growth of the knowledge sector, propelled by innovative disruptive technologies.

The partnership will focus on building knowledge cluster models globally, as a network of self-sustained knowledge townships and support their growth. It aims to develop eight more townships in the next 10 years with smart digital infrastructure, apart from existing projects in Malta (in Europe) and Kochi (India). As part of the collaboration, both parties will organise exchange of information and trade missions and best practices to facilitate joint venture alliances and promote bilateral relation and business opportunities.

R Chandrasekaran, chairman, Nasscom, said the partnership would provide access to companies operating in India to better infrastructure, facilities and services and enable growth of the global network of free zone business townships.

Abdullatif AlMulla, CEO, SmartCity, said as part of the MoU, the company aimed to leverage technology for innovative solutions, which will allow exchange of services and other facilities between both regions.

SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi form the first SmartCity outposts in the EU and India. Both, free zone developments are supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, lifestyle amenities and a responsive support system.