Plans are underway to establish space laboratories across universities and colleges in India, with seven labs to be rolled out in the first phase. These facilities will provide students with hands-on exposure to satellite systems, rocketry and mission design, strengthening practical learning in the country’s fast-evolving space ecosystem.
Building a future-ready workforce
The initiative is aimed at creating a robust pipeline of skilled talent for India’s expanding space sector, which has attracted over $600 million in private investment in the last five years following the opening up of the sector to non-government players.
Private sector momentum accelerates
The developments were reviewed following a detailed briefing by IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka, who outlined the progress of space sector reforms and the increasing participation of private players across the value chain.
India’s private space ecosystem has witnessed sharp growth, with startups rising from single digits in 2019 to over 400 by early 2026.
These ventures are now active across launch vehicles, satellite and payload manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services and emerging in-orbit segments. Growing global interest is reflected in increased engagement with international clients, including leading space-faring nations.
Funding ecosystem gathers pace
To sustain this momentum, multiple targeted initiatives are being rolled out. A ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund is being operationalised in partnership with SIDBI to support growth-stage startups. In parallel, a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund is facilitating the transition of early-stage innovations into commercially viable products.
Additionally, the seed fund scheme is providing grants of up to ₹1 crore to startups at the ideation and prototype stage, along with mentoring and ecosystem support.
Skilling initiatives gain traction
Efforts to strengthen the talent pipeline are already underway. A total of 17 specialised training programmes have been completed, certifying nearly 900 participants in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle systems and space cybersecurity. The upcoming space labs are expected to significantly enhance these efforts by enabling experiential learning.
Infrastructure and access expand
On the infrastructure front, new opportunities are emerging through initiatives such as 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 active industry participation.
Global partnerships deepen
India’s engagement with the global space ecosystem continues to expand, with partnerships now spanning over 45 countries. Recent collaborations include agreements with Singapore and the UAE, alongside participation of Indian companies in international space forums and efforts to connect domestic startups with global markets.
Authorisations reflect rising confidence
Since its inception, IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications from startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and industry, and has granted 129 authorisations, underlining growing confidence in India’s reformed and rapidly evolving space ecosystem.