London: The UK has received as many as 14 business ideas from India for a major new drive it launched today to attract the brightest entrepreneurial minds from around the world over the next year.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) launched Sirius Programme at the annual Entrepreneurs' Festival in Manchester, which attracted a diverse range of business ideas from across 40 countries, including as many as 14 from India.

"I just got to hear about this programme and I will be applying for it. We are running out of jobs around the world and instead of adding to the jobless figures, it is better to create one for yourself and others," said Divya Sharma, an engineering graduate from Delhi who has devised a unique communication software for the deaf and dumb.

"I have had some great feedback on my business idea and with the help of this new programme I hope to develop it further as I complete my post-graduation," she added.

UKTI's Sirius Programme offers a 12-month start-up support and acceleration package for students and graduates with an early stage business idea or plan.

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