New Delhi | Updated 03-08-2024, 12:51 PM
- ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission sparks startup interest in Indian space sector, says ex-ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan.
- Tamil Nadu Minister TRB Rajaa and Narayanan launch Vaanam Space Tech Accelerator to support space startups.
- Vaanam aims to nurture startups with expertise and funding, evaluating six startups this year.
The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO has ignited a wave of interest among startups aiming to enter the Indian space sector, according to former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan. This enthusiasm was evident at the launch of the Vaanam Space Tech Accelerator, where Narayanan and Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, TRB Rajaa, highlighted the mission’s impact on the burgeoning space industry.
Vaanam Space Tech Accelerator Launch
The Vaanam Space Tech Accelerator, founded by Sameer Bharat Ram and Hariharan Vedamurthy, aims to nurture startups in the space sector by providing expertise and seed funding. Speaking at the launch event, Ram announced that six startups are currently being evaluated for support this year. He noted the Indian space economy’s impressive growth, which is expected to rise from $13 billion to $44 billion within the next decade.
Celebrating ISRO’s Achievements
Minister Rajaa emphasized the importance of celebrating ISRO’s achievements and the contributions of its scientists. The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission serves as a testament to India’s capabilities in space exploration and has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Nambi Narayanan’s Insights
During a ‘Fireside Chat’ at the event, Nambi Narayanan pointed out that many of the 189 space technology startups in India are working on projects ISRO completed 50 years ago. He urged these startups to focus on current needs to remain competitive globally. Narayanan also expressed his vision for establishing an Asia Aeronautics Space Agency (AASA), similar to NASA, involving interested Asian countries like Maldives and Myanmar.
Academic Partnerships and Education
Narayanan highlighted the significance of partnerships between academic institutions and space agencies like ISRO to promote space technology education. He cited Princeton University’s collaboration with NASA as a model. Narayanan suggested incorporating space technology into school curricula and setting up space exploration facilities for students to experience simulated space environments.
Addressing Sector Challenges
Hariharan Vedamurthy, co-founder of Vaanam, acknowledged the challenges faced by the space sector, including budget constraints, technology gaps, and a lack of human resources. Vaanam aims to address these issues by accelerating space tech innovations and helping startups achieve product-market fit quickly. Vedamurthy emphasized the need for a solid commercialization framework, which Vaanam intends to provide.
Future Prospects
With the success of Chandrayaan-3 and the launch of initiatives like the Vaanam Space Tech Accelerator, the Indian space sector is poised for significant growth. The increasing interest from startups and the support from industry veterans like Nambi Narayanan and Minister Rajaa underscore the potential for India to become a global leader in space technology.