India’s Space Ecosystem Expands as Private Investment Crosses $600 Million: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday reviewed plans to establish space laboratories in universities and colleges across India, with seven such labs proposed in the first phase to provide hands-on training in satellite systems, rocketry and mission design.
The initiative aims to build a strong pipeline of skilled youth for India’s expanding space sector, which has attracted over USD 600 million in private investment over the past five years following reforms that opened the sector to non-government players.
The review meeting followed a detailed presentation by Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, who outlined progress in space sector reforms and increasing private participation across the value chain.
India’s private space ecosystem has witnessed rapid growth, with the number of startups rising from single digits in 2019 to over 400 by early 2026. These startups are engaged in areas such as launch vehicles, satellite and payload manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services and emerging in-orbit segments.
To support this growth, the government is operationalising a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund in collaboration with Small Industries Development Bank of India to assist growth-stage startups. In addition, a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund is being implemented to help convert early-stage innovations into commercially viable products.
A seed fund scheme is also in place, offering grants of up to ₹1 crore to startups at the ideation and prototype stage, along with mentoring and ecosystem support.
Efforts to strengthen the talent base are underway, with 17 specialised training programmes completed and nearly 900 participants certified in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle systems and space cybersecurity. The proposed space laboratories are expected to further enhance practical learning and skill development.
On the infrastructure front, initiatives include a privately-led Earth Observation satellite constellation under a public-private partnership model, development of a shared satellite bus platform for startups, and expanded access to design, integration and testing facilities at the IN-SPACe Technical Centre in Ahmedabad. Technology transfer programmes, including the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), are also progressing with industry participation.
India’s global engagement in the space sector is expanding, with partnerships now covering over 45 countries. Recent collaborations include agreements with Singapore and the UAE, along with participation of Indian companies in international space forums and efforts to connect domestic startups with global markets.
Since its inception, IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications from startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and industry, granting 129 authorisations so far, reflecting growing confidence in India’s reformed space ecosystem.
(DD News)
