📷 Image Credits: Zee Business
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has recently announced the launch of a pre-incubation entrepreneurship development programme aimed at supporting early-stage space startups in India. This pioneering initiative, known as the Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) programme, is designed to cultivate and empower the next generation of space tech innovators, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to turn their space aspirations into reality.
IN-SPACe, an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space, emphasized the importance of young entrepreneurs in driving the exponential growth of India’s space sector. According to Pawan Goenka, chairman of IN-SPACe, the PIE programme will offer aspiring entrepreneurs a launchpad, equipping them with both technical expertise and the business acumen needed to navigate the complexities of the space industry.
The 21-month programme is structured to guide participants through a journey encompassing ideation, innovation, and prototype development. It aims to provide structured support at every critical stage of development and ensure that budding entrepreneurs receive invaluable insights and feedback from industry veterans and subject matter experts. This comprehensive support is vital for unleashing the potential of innovative minds and enhancing India’s leadership in the global space industry.
Applicants for the PIE programme should be Indian citizens graduating in 2024 or already graduates, with a strong interest in space technology. They should not have received any previous grants or funding from private or government schemes, and all submissions must be original work to qualify. The programme targets early-stage start-ups focusing on space technologies, providing them with the necessary resources to develop entrepreneurial ventures.
Through initiatives like the PIE programme, IN-SPACe aims to foster a culture of innovation among entrepreneurs, driving scientific advancements that contribute to socio-economic benefits, economic development, and the creation of new job opportunities in India’s space sector. This support aligns with IN-SPACe’s vision to nurture and empower the next generation of space tech innovators in India.
