Indian private space ecosystem can become major global force: PM Modi tells space startups
ADVERTISEMENT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the leaders and founders of India’s space startups at Seva Teerth on Friday. The Prime Minister called for creating an ecosystem and an environment where, when the world thinks of space, it looks towards India.
He appreciated space sector leaders for showing courage and creativity while urging them to think about how space technology can contribute to different sectors for India’s economic growth. He said that India’s space sector can act as a magnet to attract global talent, companies and investment to the country.
“Our private space ecosystem can become a major force for India and for the world,” the PM said.
“I also urged StartUps to think about how space technology can contribute immensely to agriculture, livestock management, dairy, environment and many other areas that touch everyday lives. They can engage with Atal Tinkering Labs, spark curiosity among schoolchildren and inspire the next generation to participate in the space sector,” Modi wrote on X after the meeting.
CEOs of leading companies in the space sector, working in diverse fields ranging from building rockets and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles to defence intelligence, participated in the interaction.
The space sector representatives highlighted the rapid progress being made by India’s private space industry and shared their vision for the sector’s future. They shared that they have put in significant time and effort into building their capabilities and required technologies indigenously in the country, while expressing gratitude for the support received from the Prime Minister.
“The StartUps made insightful presentations on their work. They also appreciated the space reforms of the Government and how it encouraged them to grow further in this sector,” Modi said.
Private participation generates enthusiasm
During the meeting, the leaders of the industry also said that opening the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for industry.
The Prime Minister encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on how these can make people's lives easier.
He suggested greater collaboration between space sector companies and companies working in other sectors.
“I assured the space StartUps that the Government of India will continue to stand with them as they build India’s capabilities for the future. India can offer the world a strong, innovative and commercially viable model in the space sector,” he added.
A remarkable courage of young entrepreneurs
The interaction saw participation from CEOs and Founders of 20 startups working in the space sector, 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.
“It was wonderful to meet the Yuva Urja of India’s space sector…young entrepreneurs and innovators who have shown remarkable courage by entering a new and demanding domain. They have taken risks, trusted the reform process and remained consistent in their efforts. Due to this, India has achieved a lot in the space sector in the last few years,” Modi wrote on X.