Ahmedabad: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has initiated a significant drive to bolster entrepreneurship in the space sector with the launch of its Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) programme. This 21-month endeavour aims to cultivate young entrepreneurs by guiding them through phases of ideation, innovation, and prototype development, officials announced on Monday.
According to an IN-SPACe official, nurturing young entrepreneurs is pivotal for advancing India’s space industry. “The PIE programme will serve as a launchpad, equipping participants not only with technical expertise but also with essential business acumen required to navigate the complexities of the sector,” the official stated. Officials closely associated with the initiative highlighted that the programme will facilitate participants in connecting with mentors from esteemed research institutions, incubators, industry leaders, and academia. This networking will provide them access to the extensive space resources ecosystem and relevant facilities crucial for their growth. Details about the application process and eligibility criteria have been made available on the centre’s official website. Eligible candidates include graduates, graduating students, and early-stage startups focusing on space technology innovations. Applicants must possess original ideas that have not been previously submitted elsewhere and must be registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The initiative by IN-SPACe comes in response to a surge in interest and inquiries from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance and collaboration in the space technology domain. “Space tech ventures demand specialized solutions such as self-repairing software and durable hardware capable of withstanding harsh conditions,” noted an official. “With the recent milestone of India’s first privately launched rocket and growing interest in advanced radar systems, data analytics, and integration, early-stage support is crucial for enhancing their prospects of success.” The PIE programme marks a strategic move by IN-SPACe to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within India’s burgeoning space sector, aligning with national priorities of self-reliance and technological advancement. As the space industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these are poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing a new generation of space technology leaders.
