The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has taken a significant step in bolstering India’s burgeoning spacetech sector by selecting three startups—Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics, and TakeMe2Space—for funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) scheme. This move is a landmark occasion as it marks the first time IN-SPACe has invested in Indian startups, aiming to propel their technological advancements with financial backing and technical support.
### The Startups and Their Projects
Astrobase Space Technologies, co-founded by Devakumar Thammisetty, a former ISRO engineer, and Neeraj Khandelwal, aims to develop a high-thrust closed-cycle liquid rocket engine. This engine is intended for space launch vehicles, potentially positioning Astrobase as a key player in the launch services market. SatSure Analytics, established in 2017, is set to work on Dhaarini, a large earth observation model envisioned as India’s foundational remote sensing AI platform. The third startup, TakeMe2Space, founded by Ronak Kumar Samantray, is developing AI models that can be operated directly on satellites in orbit, offering innovative solutions in satellite technology.
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Each selected project will receive up to ₹25 crore, with funds disbursed based on project milestones. This structured financial support, coupled with technical guidance from IN-SPACe, aims to ensure the successful implementation of these ambitious projects.
### Context and Funding Environment
The Indian spacetech sector is experiencing rapid growth, with significant increases in funding over recent years. According to Inc42, spacetech startups in India have raised $530 million, showing a 13-fold increase over the past five years. This growth is supported by governmental initiatives and private investments, such as the ₹1,000 crore multi-stage defence and space strategy fund launched by 360 ONE Asset earlier this year.
IN-SPACe itself is actively fostering this ecosystem, having launched a programme for designing and building small satellite bus platforms in 2025. This programme involved collaboration with startups like Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries, and Dhruva Space, each receiving a grant of ₹5 crore to develop indigenous satellite platforms.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
The funding from IN-SPACe signifies a growing confidence in India’s private sector to contribute meaningfully to the global space economy. It underscores the readiness of Indian startups to undertake complex and high-impact projects in spacetech. This move not only propels these startups forward but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between government bodies and private enterprises in the technology sector.
For India’s startup ecosystem, this initiative could inspire new entrants into the spacetech domain, offering them a framework for innovation backed by state support. The collaborative approach adopted by IN-SPACe could serve as a model for other technology sectors, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between public resources and private innovation.
As these startups embark on their respective projects, industry stakeholders will be keenly observing their progress. The outcomes of these projects could significantly influence India’s position in the global spacetech arena, potentially attracting more international partnerships and investments. For founders, engineers, and investors, the focus will be on how these startups leverage the support to achieve technological breakthroughs and operational success. The next phase of development for these projects could set the tone for future investments and policy decisions in India’s spacetech sector.
