Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, announced a collaboration with University College London (UCL) to advance joint research and solution development in Generative AI and quantum computing. The collaboration will focus on next-generation solutions, including world models, domain-specific Small Language Models (SLMs), quantum machine learning, quantum security, and industry-specific AI use cases.
Tech Mahindra will contribute its deep domain expertise in large-scale AI model development, and enterprise solution engineering, while UCL will contribute its leading expertise in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Together, the two organizations will explore new opportunities across sectors where both have deep experience, including healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing and business services.
As part of the new agreement, signed at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi this week, Tech Mahindra and UCL will develop a collaboration model that, among other objectives, will aim to build verticalized Large Language Models (LLMs) and world models that can be deployed across enterprises in the UK and scaled globally. The engagement will primarily be driven by Tech Mahindra’s Makers Lab, the company’s innovation engine, and will be operated through joint research teams. The teams will be comprised of academics, research fellows and students from across UCL, collaborating with subject matter experts from Tech Mahindra.
Harshul Asnani, President and Head - Europe Business, Tech Mahindra, said, “As enterprises accelerate their adoption of advanced AI and quantum technologies, building scalable, trustworthy, and industry-specific AI systems remains a significant challenge. Our collaboration with University College London brings together academic excellence and real-world engineering expertise to address the gap. By enabling the co-creation of world models and vertical LLMs, the collaboration will deliver measurable value for enterprises across the UK and globally.”
The collaboration model is expected to be replicated across Europe, with both organizations also exploring the potential establishment of a dedicated joint research lab. As part of the collaboration, UCL students will have the opportunity to undertake internships in advanced research areas such as Vertical LLMs, World Models, and Quantum Machine Learning. The program is designed to strengthen the UK’s skilled technology workforce, with scope to expand participation to additional interns and research scholars as the partnership evolves.
Professor Geraint Rees, Vice-Provost Research, Innovation & Global Engagement, UCL, said: “As UCL marks its 200th year of discovery and innovation, this new partnership with Tech Mahindra marks a major milestone in our global engagement. By bringing together UCL’s strengths in AI and quantum technologies with Tech Mahindra’s deep industry expertise, we are creating a powerful platform to accelerate innovation and deliver real-world impact. This collaboration not only strengthens our research ecosystem but also reinforces the vital role of UK India cooperation in shaping the future of transformative technologies."
The collaboration aligns closely with Tech Mahindra’s UK and Europe growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to co-innovation with leading academic institutions. Through this collaboration, partners and enterprises will gain access to Tech Mahindra’s global customer ecosystem and benefit from research-led innovation that bridges academia and industry.
