Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 space startups at Seva Teerth, with discussions focusing on the growth of India’s private space sector, wider applications of space technology and opportunities for global collaboration.
The interaction brought together leaders of companies working across various areas of the space sector, including rockets and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion systems, space and defence intelligence, space debris removal and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence.
The startup leaders highlighted the rapid progress being made by India’s private space industry and shared their vision for its future. They said they had invested significant time and effort in developing capabilities and technologies indigenously and expressed appreciation for the support extended by the government.
The CEOs and founders also highlighted the enthusiasm generated by the opening of the space sector to private participation and said the move had created new opportunities for industry. They noted that companies from across the world are showing growing interest in adopting and leveraging technologies developed by India’s emerging private space industry.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the space sector leaders for taking the initiative in a new area and said the confidence shown by private companies had strengthened the vision behind opening the sector to private participation.
He noted that many countries either lack the resources or do not wish to make large investments in the space sector, which, he said, presents India with an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global space industry.
The Prime Minister encouraged space companies to explore wider applications of their technologies and focus on how space-based solutions could make people’s lives easier.
He also called for greater collaboration between space companies and organisations working in other sectors. Companies developing technologies for space debris removal, for instance, could work with environmental organisations to expand their applications.
Similarly, space technology companies working in agriculture could collaborate with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.
Modi called for creating an ecosystem in which India becomes a global destination for space-related talent, companies and investment. He said India’s space sector has the potential to act as a magnet for global talent and investment.
The Prime Minister also suggested closer collaboration between space startups and Atal Tinkering Labs to nurture curiosity and interest in space technology among children from an early age.
The interaction was attended by CEOs and founders of 20 startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.
The interaction comes as India’s private space sector continues to expand across launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion, space intelligence, climate technology and other emerging areas.
