A week long of Sweden in India

That Sweden is not just associated with the Nobel Prize but has also given us numerous world class innovations ranging from the ubiquitous zipper, Skype and the pacemaker among others, we now know.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Swedish Embassy here is showcasing the European country's innovations through a variety of activities during the Sweden-India Nobel Memorial Week, which begins on October 27 and is spread out in six cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune.

The focus this year is "Innovations - Co-creating the future" with emphasis on strengthening relations between the two countries.

"Sweden has identified India as a priority partner. Every year this Embassy tries to make something extra out of the Sweden India Nobel Memorial Week. The theme for this year believe fits well with my vision of where we should strive to contribute – "Innovations – Co-creating the future", which I believe sums up the way forward," says newly-appointed Ambassador of Sweden to India, Harald Sandberg.

Spread across week are round tables, competitions, exhibitions and cultural performances among other activities.

Swedish Minister for Enterprise, Annie Loof is scheduled to visit India during the week and participate in some events.

"Sweden is small country in Europe but a medium sized economy. We are two very different countries in very many ways, size, history, culture, etc. There are many complementaries between the two, which I would like to explore further," the ambassador told PTI.

"The theme for this year's Nobel Week I believe fits well with my vision of where we should strive to contribute – 'Innovations – Co-creating the future', which I believe sums up the way forward," he says.

About 40 high profile people from Indian and Swedish businesses will hobnob with each other amongst the presence of Swedish ministers here on November 1.

While Delhi and Hyderabad feature collaborations and innovations in the field of energy between Swedish Energy agency and CII, Bangalore would be hosting a seminar on sustainable transport and a investment seminar to explore the USD 1.7 trillion opportunity to invest in Sweden will be held in Mumbai.

Indian Nobel laureates and their contribution to society will be celebrated in a display at two metro stations - the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station and at the City Centre in Noida.

'Talent Day at Innovation House' features a business plan competition, that has in previous years given Indian students an opportunity to convert their idea into a business plan and win internship with Swedish companies in India as well, and a seminar on making education hands on for employment.

Also quizzers from colleges and technical institutes will vie for the national title in an Inter-Collegiate Quiz at IIT Delhi where the winning team gets an all-expenses paid trip to Sweden with special visits to some of the Sweden-India Nobel Memorial Week partner companies.

It is not just business too. For those who want to dine like a Swede the Pune, Gourmet Club recreates a Swedish menu, with local ingredients in Pune on November 4.

A VIP dinner in Delhi features a replica of the Stockholm dinner with chefs at the Nobel banquet travelling to recreate the authentic experience.

There is also an art photo exhibition that features indian interpretations of Swedish innovations. Performances by Swedish groups Jump4Joy, Amanda Mair and Black Slade have also been lined up.