New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday, reviewed plans to establish space laboratories in universities and colleges across the country, with seven labs to be launched in the first phase.
The proposed labs aim to provide students with hands-on exposure to satellite systems, rocketry, and mission design, as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce for India’s fast-growing space sector.
The review followed a detailed presentation by Pawan Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, who outlined progress in space sector reforms and the increasing role of private players, according to an official statement.
India’s space ecosystem has seen significant expansion since the sector was opened to non-government entities, attracting over USD 600 million in private investment over the past five years. The number of space startups has grown sharply from single digits in 2019 to more than 400 by early 2026.
These startups are now active across multiple segments, including launch vehicles, satellite and payload manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services, and emerging in-orbit operations. The sector is also witnessing growing international interest, with rising engagements from global clients.
To sustain this momentum, several targeted initiatives have been rolled out. A Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund, being operationalised with Small Industries Development Bank of India, is aimed at supporting growth-stage startups. In addition, a Rs 500 crore Technology Adoption Fund is facilitating the commercialisation of early-stage innovations.
A separate seed fund scheme is offering grants of up to Rs 1 crore to startups at the ideation and prototype stage, along with mentoring and ecosystem support.
On the skilling front, 17 specialised training programmes have been completed so far, with nearly 900 participants certified in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and space cybersecurity. The upcoming space labs are expected to further strengthen this talent pipeline through practical learning.
Infrastructure development is also being expanded through initiatives such as a privately-led Earth Observation satellite constellation under a public-private partnership model, a shared satellite bus platform for startups, and enhanced access to design, integration, and testing facilities at the IN-SPACe Technical Centre in Ahmedabad.
Technology transfer programmes, including the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, are progressing with industry participation.
India’s global engagement in the space sector continues to grow, with partnerships now extending to more than 45 countries. Recent collaborations include agreements with Singapore and the UAE, along with increased participation of Indian companies in international space forums.
Since its inception, IN-SPACe has received over 1,000 applications from startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and industry, and has granted 129 authorisations, indicating rising confidence in India’s reformed space ecosystem.
