IN-SPACe Selects Three Indian Space Startups for First Round of TAF Funding
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has chosen three Indian space startups for the initial round of funding under its Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) scheme. The selected projects encompass reusable rocket engines, artificial intelligence-driven Earth observation (EO) tools, and systems that enhance satellite positioning.
The chosen companies are Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies and SatSure Analytics India, along with Hyderabad-based TM2SPACE Technologies. They emerged from a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process involving experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), industry bodies, academic institutions, and IN-SPACe.
Astrobase Space Technologies: Reusable Rocket Engine
Astrobase Space will develop an 800 kN-class reusable liquid oxygen-liquid natural gas (LOX-LNG) closed-cycle rocket engine. This engine is intended for future medium- and heavy-lift launch vehicles. The company stated that the modular propulsion system aims to support next-generation commercial launch services and orbital missions.
SatSure Analytics: AI Platform for Earth Observation
SatSure Analytics will build “Dhaarini,” a large EO model designed as an artificial intelligence platform for analyzing satellite and aerial imagery. The platform is expected to generate insights for sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure planning, and disaster management.
TM2SPACE Technologies: AI-Powered Star Trackers
TM2SPACE Technologies will develop indigenous AI-powered star trackers, which are critical systems that help satellites determine their orientation in space with high precision. The company plans to create two variants: “StarSense Lite” for CubeSats and “StarSense Pro” for satellites weighing more than 50 kg.
Statements from IN-SPACe Officials
IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said, “The selection marks a pivotal step in our mission to transform Indian private entities into global space leaders.” He added that the fund aims to bridge the gap between early-stage development and commercial success by supporting market-ready technologies.
IN-SPACe Director (Technical) Rajeev Jyoti noted that the projects address critical technology gaps and have the potential to strengthen India's space capabilities.
Details of the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) Scheme
According to IN-SPACe, the TAF scheme is designed to help Indian companies absorb, adapt, and commercialize advanced space technologies through financial assistance, technical guidance, and milestone-linked funding support. TAF has been instituted with a total funding of Rs 500 crore. Partial funding will be offered to transform early-stage technologies into commercially viable products. The funding covers up to 60% of the project cost for startups and MSMEs, and 40% for large industries, with a maximum cap of Rs 25 crore per project.
Any intellectual property developed under this scheme will be owned by the company. However, any licensing of the IP will require prior approval from IN-SPACe.
