Tech Mahindra and University College London (UCL) announced a collaboration to advance research in Generative AI and quantum computing, focusing on world models, domain-specific Small Language Models, quantum machine learning, quantum security, and industry-use cases.

The partnership blends Tech Mahindra’s enterprise AI development capabilities with UCL’s expertise in AI and quantum technologies, targeting sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and business services.

Tech Mahindra will lead in large-scale AI model development and enterprise solution engineering, while UCL contributes academic strengths in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

The agreement was signed at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi and contemplates expanding the model across Europe, potentially via a dedicated joint research lab.

The collaboration aligns with Tech Mahindra’s UK and Europe growth strategy and provides access to its global customer ecosystem and a bridge between academia and industry through research-led innovation.

The initiative aims to develop verticalised large language models and world models for UK enterprises with potential for international scaling and replication across Europe.

A collaboration model will be built to deploy vertical LLMs and world models across UK firms, led by Tech Mahindra’s Makers Lab and a joint team of academics, researchers, and subject-matter experts.

Initial sector focus includes healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and business services where both organizations bring experience.

The broader context notes rapid adoption of large language models and rising interest in quantum technologies, alongside governance and security considerations.

Both parties expect to extend the model across Europe and continue joint research on generative AI and quantum computing as the partnership evolves.

UCL emphasizes international research engagement and UK-India technology cooperation as part of the partnership, marking a milestone in UCL’s 200th year of discovery.

Work will be led by Tech Mahindra’s Makers Lab with joint teams of UCL academics, researchers, students, and Tech Mahindra experts, and a potential joint research lab is being considered for broader Europe expansion.