"We see very exciting prospects in this emerging space. The MGRM-Bell ID joint venture will explore 'smart card related opportunities' secured by biometric applications based on domain research and integrate them with MGRM's OmVcard capability," said Pat B. Curran, Chairman, Bell ID, the Netherlands headquartered company that manages over 125 million cards in different applications in all continents. Bell ID's Government ID solutions include national ID card schemes, e-Passport solutions or PKI-based government ID badges.

MGRM develops e-governance platforms for education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and insurance domains. "MGRM's global research expertise spanning over 18 years, and the insights gained through its research and pilot projects in India together with Bell ID's experiences will help this joint venture harness the potential in the emerging egovernance opportunity," said Ashwani Windlass, Chairman SA & JVs, MGRM. Both partners expect this 50:50 joint venture to be a significant investment initiative.