Space Startups in India are having a dream run. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, announced today that the progressive changes brought about by the Government of India in the space sector have given rise to a flourishing startup culture.
During his visit to the expansive 60,000 Square Feet facility of Skyroot in Hyderabad, which has emerged as India’s largest rocket factory in the private sector, Dr. Singh emphasized how the unshackling of the space sector has led to a meteoric rise in the number of space startups from a mere single digit to over 150 in just four years. He noted the success story of Skyroot, which was among the first startups to launch a private rocket from the ISRO station at Sriharikota.
“Skyroot Aerospace is not just an example of India’s exceptional talent and scientific acumen, but it also serves as a testament to the immense potential that remained untapped for several decades prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s groundbreaking policy changes,” remarked Dr. Jitendra Singh during his visit.
Skyroot, led by two IITians, Pawan and Bharat, has now established India’s largest rocket development facility, equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables the cost-effective development of rockets on demand.
Highlighting the visionary aspect of the Prime Minister’s Amritkaal initiative and the “India@2047” vision, Dr. Singh expressed his belief that the space sector’s contribution will be instrumental in driving India’s economy forward. He attributed the rapid advancement in various areas of science and technology over the past nine years to the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Highlights of India’s progressive, growth driven space startups policy
- From single digit to over 150 Space StartUps
- Minister visits StartUp Skyroot Aerospace’s newly set up rocket developing facility, possibly the largest of its kind in India in the private sector
- PM Modi has enabled India to earn universal recognition for India’s science, technology and innovation capabilities and our StartUps are much sought after: Dr Jitendra Singh
- In a new milestone for the Indian private Space sector, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket
- “The success of Skyroot is an inspiration to the youth aspiring to set up their own Startup ventures, especially in new and emerging sectors including Space”: Dr Jitendra Singh
- “Anusandhan National Research Foundation will pave the way for a greater Public Private Partnership in scientific research and catapult us to the league of handful of developed nations”: Dr Jitendra Singh
The unveiling of Skyroot’s Vikram-1 orbital rocket marked yet another milestone for the Indian private space startups sector. Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed this as a source of inspiration for India’s ambitious youth, encouraging them to venture into emerging sectors, including space, biotech, agriculture, and energy.
Reflecting on the accomplishments, Dr. Singh recalled the words of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of India’s space program, who advocated for ISRO’s meaningful national role. He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Indian youth’s untapped potential has been unleashed, propelling the nation towards new horizons.
NRF earmarks Rs. 50,000 Cr for Space Tech Acceleration
Dr. Singh also shed light on the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), which is poised to facilitate a stronger public-private partnership in scientific research. The NRF’s substantial budget of Rs. 50,000 crore over five years, with over 70% expected from non-government sources, is expected to position India among the elite group of nations pioneering groundbreaking research in various fields.
India’s space missions, Dr. Singh emphasized, are designed to be cost-effective, leveraging the nation’s abundant human resources and skills. He concluded by reiterating that India’s science, technology, and innovation capabilities have gained global recognition under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with Indian space startups becoming increasingly sought after on the global stage.
