The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched the Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Program, a pioneering initiative designed to support and nurture early-stage space start-ups. The PIE Development program aims to empower the next generation of space tech innovators, providing them with the tools and guidance necessary to transform their space dreams into reality.
The 21-month program will guide aspiring entrepreneurs through a comprehensive journey divided into distinct phases of ideation, innovation, and prototype development. Further, as per a company statement, the program will ensure that budding entrepreneurs receive structured support at each critical stage of development.
Read: Scaling with Quality is the Key Challenge for Space-Tech Startups: AgniKul’s Srinath
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, said, “India's space sector is poised for exponential growth, and young entrepreneurs are crucial to driving this expansion. The PIE program will provide them with a launchpad, equipping them not only with technical expertise but also with the business acumen needed to navigate the complexities of the space industry.”
He further added that the early-stage support will help to unlock the potential of innovative minds and contribute to India's leadership in the global space industry.
As per the guidelines of the program, applicants must be Indian citizens graduating in 2024 or already graduates; they should not have received any grants, funding, or monetary support from private or government schemes; and all submissions must be original work to qualify for this program. Start-ups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on or after July 1, 2022, are classified as early-stage start-ups.
This program will target students in technical courses or those with a strong interest in space technology, expected to graduate in 2024, or pursuing Master's or Doctorate programs and early-stage start-ups focusing on space technologies and aiming to develop entrepreneurial ventures.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space, Government of India, formed on June 24, 2020, to promote, enable, authorize, and supervise non-government entities (NGE) to undertake space activities. These activities include manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites, providing space-based services, establishing a ground station, sharing space infrastructure and facilities, and establishing new facilities under DOS.
