Space startup ecosystem soars to 450-plus ventures as policy reforms fuelled growth: IN-SPACe Dir

India's space startup ecosystem grew from single digits to over 450 ventures in six years, according to IN-SPACe director PK Jain.

IN-SPACe received over 800 applications for facilitation and authorisation in the last four years, issuing about 113 authorisations and transferring over 100 technologies to private industry.

Skyroot Aerospace became India's first space startup unicorn and achieved the first successful orbital launch of a privately developed rocket, Vikram-1, on its first attempt.

Indian space startups attracted about $380-390 million in funding over the last three years, with $150-160 million secured in the current year alone.

Government-backed initiatives include a $120 million venture capital fund and a Technology Adoption Fund to support emerging companies.