India's Space Ambitions Take Flight in Karnataka

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has signed two key agreements with the Government of Karnataka to strengthen India’s growing space sector.

The collaborations include the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Space Technology and the development of a space manufacturing hub in the state. The specific location for the manufacturing hub will be finalised by the state government. A proposal has also been submitted for setting up a common technical facility within the upcoming space cluster.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that IN-SPACe has already extended support to over 50 space start-ups based in Bengaluru, with five start-ups receiving funding and mentorship under its Seed Fund Scheme and Pre-incubation Programme. These initiatives aim to fast-track innovation and improve the commercial readiness of indigenous space technologies.

To broaden the impact of space-based applications, IN-SPACe has also introduced funding initiatives targeting sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, marine studies, and mission virtualisation.

Complementary programs like the Technology Adoption Fund and Space Applications Adoption Workshops are helping bridge the gap between private innovators and end-user sectors. These developments underscore the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration between start-ups, industry, and state institutions—positioning Karnataka as a pivotal hub in India’s expanding space economy.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.