New Delhi, Feb 11 (.) The Department of Space has informed Parliament that there is significant growth in startups related to the space domain, with over”400 startups established and investments crossing USD 500 million.”
The Startup India Initiative was launched in 2016 with a goal of fostering innovation and building a robust startup ecosystem in the country by providing support, funding and easier regulatory frameworks. Prominent space startups grown in the country after 2014 are M/s. Pixxel, M/s. Dhruva, M/s. Skyroot Aerospace, M/s. Agnikul Cosmos, M/s. Bellatrix Aerospace etc.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined the substantial progress made in encouraging private sector participation in space technology. The growth follows the introduction of initiatives such as the Startup India Initiative in 2016 and a series of policies and schemes aimed at fostering innovation, easing regulatory procedures, and expanding financial support for space start‑ups.
Several flagship policy measures were highlighted, including the Indian Space Policy (2023), Liberalised FDI Policy (2024), and the IN‑SPACe Seed Fund Scheme (2023). Other key initiatives include the IN‑SPACe Pre‑incubation Entrepreneurship Program (2024), the establishment of a Rs. 1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund (2024), a Rs. 500 crore Technology Adoption Fund (2025), Technology Transfer of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to HAL (2025) and Establishment of Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation on PPP model (2026).
In addition to the rise in numbers and funding, the government noted several achievements by private entities: two Indian companies have tested and flown their launch vehicles to sub‑orbital orbit; 25 payloads are planned or have flown on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM); and six non‑government space entities have successfully launched a total of 18 satellites into orbit.
Other developments include the awarding of projects such as an Earth Observation satellite constellation under a public‑private partnership model, increased launch vehicle throughput through technology transfers like the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), and state governments rolling out incentive policies to further support space tech companies.
The government underlined its commitment to achieving self‑reliance across all domains of space technology, upstream, midstream, and downstream, as the private space sector becomes increasingly integrated into global aerospace and space supply chains.
. MI .