**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4508, the Indian government is actively promoting private sector participation and startup innovation in the space technology sector, particularly in Bengaluru. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Karnataka. These MoUs aim to support the activities of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Space Technology and establish a Space Manufacturing Hub in Karnataka. The specific location of the manufacturing hub will be determined by the State Government. A proposal dated June 30, 2025, has been received from the Government of Karnataka for establishing a common technical facility within the space manufacturing cluster.
INSPACe has provided support to over 50 space startups from Bengaluru. Five startups have been selected under INSPACe's Seed Fund Scheme and Pre-incubation program. To support the commercialization of space-based applications, INSPACe has initiated several programs. These include seed fund opportunities in sectors like agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, marine applications and mission virtualization. Additionally, a Technology Adoption Fund has been established to support product development and commercialization. Space Applications Adoption Workshops are being conducted to connect Non-Government Entities (NGEs) with potential users of space-based technologies.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Space Research Organisation: ISRO, a key organization supporting spacetech startups.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre: INSPACe, an organization facilitating private sector participation in the space sector.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: A key hub for aerospace and satellite technology in Karnataka, India.
Government of Karnataka: State government partnering with INSPACe to promote space technology.
DR. JITENDRA SINGH: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
Seed Fund Scheme: A scheme by INSPACe to support space startups.
Space Manufacturing Hub: A planned hub in Karnataka to be established with support from INSPACe and the Government of Karnataka.
Centre of Excellence CoE for Space Technology: Initiative in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka to promote space technology.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF SPACE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4508
TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
4508. SHRI P C MOHAN:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is actively promoting private sector
participation and startup innovation in the space technology sector
particularly in Bengaluru, the key hub for aerospace and satellite
technology, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the numbers and details of space-tech startups supported or facilitated
by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian National Space
Promotion and Authorisation Centre (INSPACe) or other Government-
led incubation programmes in Bengaluru especially those working on
applications like remote sensing, satellite communication and
navigation;
(c) whether the Government has set up or plans to establish dedicated
infrastructure and innovation hubs in Bengaluru to strengthen public-
private collaboration;
(d) if so, the details of such initiatives and partnerships thereof including
collaborations with academic and industry stakeholders; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to support commercialisation of
space-based applications for sectors such as agriculture, disaster
management, urban planning and telecom through startup
engagement?ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
****
(a), (b), (c) & (d)
Yes, IN-SPACe has signed two MoUs with Government of Karnataka for
(i) providing support towards activities of Centre of Excellence (CoE)
for Space Technology and (ii) setting up the Space Manufacturing Hub
in Karnataka. The exact location of the cluster would be decided by the
State Government. Further, a proposal dated 30.06.2025 has been
received from Government of Karnataka for establishment of common
technical facility in space manufacturing cluster in Karnataka.
IN-SPACe has extended support to more than 50 space start-ups from
Bengaluru and 5 start-ups have been selected under Seed Fund Scheme
and Preincubation program of IN-SPACe.
(e) The following initiatives have been taken up by IN-SPACe to support
commercialisation of space-based applications:
Seed fund opportunities in agriculture, disaster management,
urban planning, marine and mission virtualisation sector is
announced.
Technology Adoption Fund to support development and
commercialisation of product.
Conducting of Space Applications Adoption Workshop, where
Non-Government Entities (NGEs) are provided opportunities to
connect with users.
****