India’s private space sector is set to receive a major boost as the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre has selected three startups under its Technology Adoption Fund to develop critical indigenous space technologies.
The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialisation of advanced space solutions and support Indian companies from technology development to deployment. By funding startups working in propulsion, Earth observation analytics, and satellite navigation systems, IN-SPACe is strengthening the country’s growing private space ecosystem.
The three selected startups are Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies. Their projects focus on technologies that are important for next-generation launch vehicles, satellite-based intelligence, and improved mission accuracy.
Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies will develop an 800 kN-class closed-cycle LOX-LNG reusable liquid rocket engine. This high-thrust engine is intended to power next-generation launch vehicles and support India’s efforts to build reusable and commercially competitive launch systems.
The development of a reusable rocket engine is important for lowering launch costs and improving the long-term sustainability of space missions. By supporting indigenous propulsion technology, IN-SPACe is helping Indian startups move into advanced areas of space engineering that are critical for future commercial launch services.
SatSure Analytics India will build Dhaarini, a large Earth observation foundation model designed to convert satellite data into actionable intelligence. The platform will support applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster management.
Earth observation data has become increasingly important for decision-making across sectors. By using artificial intelligence to process and interpret satellite information, Dhaarini can help transform raw data into practical insights that support farmers, planners, governments, and disaster response agencies.
Hyderabad-based TM2SPACE Technologies will develop AI-enabled star tracker systems for CubeSats and larger satellites. These systems are designed to improve orbital positioning precision and mission accuracy, helping satellites determine their orientation more effectively in space.
Star trackers are an important part of satellite attitude determination systems. By developing indigenous AI-enabled solutions, TM2SPACE Technologies can contribute to India’s ability to build more reliable and accurate satellite platforms for different mission requirements.
The selected projects were chosen through a multi-stage evaluation process conducted by an expert committee. The committee included representatives from ISRO, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Department of Science and Technology, academia, and industry.
This evaluation process reflects the strategic importance of the projects and the government’s focus on supporting technologies that can address key gaps in India’s space sector. The selected proposals cover propulsion, satellite analytics, and attitude control systems, all of which are essential for building a stronger space technology ecosystem.
IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between early-stage development and commercial deployment. The goal is to enable Indian companies to build globally competitive space solutions and move beyond the prototype stage into scalable commercial applications.
Rajeev Jyoti, head of the technical directorate at IN-SPACe, said the selected proposals address important technology gaps across propulsion, Earth observation analytics, and satellite attitude systems. The projects were chosen from multiple submissions after rigorous evaluation.
The Technology Adoption Fund provides milestone-based financial support and technical guidance to help Indian companies develop, scale, and commercialise advanced space technologies. This model allows startups to receive support as they move through key stages of technology development.
The fund is especially important for deep-tech and space startups because advanced space systems often require long development timelines, specialised testing, and significant technical expertise. By offering structured support, IN-SPACe can help reduce barriers that prevent promising technologies from reaching the market.
India’s space sector has been undergoing rapid transformation, with growing participation from private companies and startups. Government-backed initiatives such as the Technology Adoption Fund are helping create a stronger bridge between research, innovation, and commercial space applications.
The selection of these three startups also reflects India’s focus on building domestic capability in high-value space technologies. From reusable launch engines to AI-powered satellite data platforms and advanced navigation systems, the projects align with the country’s ambition to become a stronger global player in the space economy.
As commercial space activity expands, indigenous innovation will be essential for reducing dependence on imported technologies and increasing India’s competitiveness. Supporting startups at the development and deployment stage can help create new opportunities for private industry, researchers, and technology professionals.
The IN-SPACe funding decision marks an important step in India’s effort to build a future-ready space ecosystem. By supporting Astrobase Space Technologies, SatSure Analytics India, and TM2SPACE Technologies, the initiative can help advance critical technologies and strengthen the role of Indian startups in the global space sector.
With milestone-based funding, expert guidance, and a focus on commercialisation, the Technology Adoption Fund is helping turn promising space innovations into deployable solutions. These projects could contribute to more capable launch vehicles, smarter Earth observation systems, and more accurate satellite missions, reinforcing India’s position in the next phase of space technology development.
