India Now Has Around 440 Space-Tech Startups as Private Sector Role Expands

India now has around 440 registered space-technology startups, reflecting the rapid growth of private participation in the country’s space sector.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh shared the figure in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on August 12, 2026.

The expansion follows the government’s decision to liberalise the space sector and open more activities to private companies and startups.

IN-SPACe Grants 113 Authorisations

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, has granted 113 authorisations to 52 Non-Government Entities.

These approvals allow private entities to undertake different space-related activities in India.

Of the 52 authorised entities, 18 are startups.

IN-SPACe acts as the key interface between the government and private companies seeking to participate in the Indian space ecosystem.

Startups Enter Multiple Space Segments

Indian startups are now working across several parts of the space economy.

Their activities include satellite manufacturing, launch services, downstream applications and space-based technologies.

The reforms have created opportunities for companies beyond traditional government-led programmes.

Private firms can now develop technologies and services that support communication, navigation, Earth observation and other commercial applications.

ISRO Technologies Moving to Industry

The government is also helping companies gain access to technologies developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.

IN-SPACe facilitates the transfer of available ISRO technologies to Indian industry.

So far, authorities have executed 118 Technology Transfer Agreements.

These agreements allow companies to use selected technologies developed through India’s national space programme.

The transfer process can also reduce the time needed for companies to develop similar technologies independently.

Industry Requirements to Shape Future Technologies

IN-SPACe is also collecting technology requirements from private industry.

This process helps identify areas where Indian companies need new technologies or technical support.

The government can then consider these requirements while planning future technology development and transfers.

This approach seeks to create stronger links between ISRO’s technical capabilities and the commercial needs of Indian companies.

India Builds a Wider Private Space Ecosystem

The emergence of around 440 space-tech startups marks a significant change in India’s space sector.

For decades, government institutions led most major space activities. The new policy framework gives private companies a larger role in developing satellites, launch systems and applications.

The growing number of startups can also expand India’s capacity in specialised engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Technology transfers from ISRO may further help young companies shorten development cycles and build indigenous products.

With 440 startups, 113 authorisations and 118 technology transfer agreements, India is steadily building a broader commercial space ecosystem.

The next phase will depend on how effectively these companies turn technological capability into competitive products and services for both domestic and global markets.

---

Source: News On AIR, based on a written reply by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha, August 12, 2026.

---