Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch incubators across the country for the purpose of grooming the startups that build fresh solutions in rocketry, communication satellites and applications from remote sensing data.
The basic motive is to assist the space startups to establish themselves and also create a strong local commercial space ecosystem in the country.
As of now, ISRO has got involved with various startups through its commercial arm Antrix Corp. Some of these companies include Bellatrix Aerospace, Aniara Communications and Exseed Space.
At present, the research organization is looking forward to incubate startups that would set up applications, offer services and products which it can use internally and help them grow.
“We are looking at multiple models for the incubators. Start (an incubator) on our own or engage existing technology incubators to groom these startups under Isro supervision,” said K Sivan, chairman of ISRO.
He also stated that the agency may further pick stakes in the startups as well, however, this has not been finalized yet. The plan is to launch incubators in six cities across India, probably near ISRO centers.
Kerala is already showing a great interest in the incubator, whereas Karnataka, where Isro is headquartered, has in its aerospace policy included support for space startups.
“It is better for Antrix to use a professional team in terms of management (that include experience VCs, IP lawyers, commercial space veterans) and asses technologies through an Isro team. Isro/national user needs to be the anchor user in many cases for the startups to succeed,” said Narayan Prasad, co-founder of satsearch.co, a space startup.
It seems that ISRO is seeing India as a hub for satellite manufacturing as well as launching them from its root with an objective of gaining international opportunities.