MGRM Net, a player in the e-governance technology segment, has announced a joint venture with Bell ID, a technology-leader in card application and management solutions. The joint venture is expected to address the emerging opportunities in e-governance and identity management.

Both partners will equip the proposed 50-50 joint venture with their product IPRs, applications and requisite skills to lead this emerging space.

According to MGRM founder KVR Murthy, while MGRM will offer research based integrated e-governance platforms, the Netherlands based Bell ID has experience in managing a portfolio of international customers in key markets.

Bell ID Chairman Pat B Curran said the joint venture would explore smart card related opportunities secured by biometric applications. Both partners saw this venture as a significant investment initiative.

The joint venture would become operational in the next quarter as soon as it completed the necessary formalities a source said. An operational team is expected to step in as early as next month.

Bell ID, which has expertise in managing ID programme in diverse geographies, offers government ID solutions including national ID card schemes and e-passport solutions.