The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Program workshop at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad.
Coordinated by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), the workshop will be held on June 20, 2024, and marks the beginning of a 21-month journey designed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in the space technology sector.
The PIE Program was launched on June 6, 2024, for the submission of innovative ideas via the IN-SPACe website.
The program is structured into three phases: Ideate, Innovate, and Demonstrate, aiming to transform groundbreaking ideas into viable prototypes and businesses.
This program is a strategic initiative to boost entrepreneurial skills, advance scientific discoveries, and generate socio-economic benefits.
Phase 1: Ideate (3 Months)
The workshop will kick off the Ideate phase, which spans 3 months.
During this phase, IN-SPACe will conduct multiple workshops at premier institutions and ISRO centers across India’s five regions: North, South, East, West, and Central.
Each region will host at least two workshops, where participants can engage with industry experts, explore innovation opportunities, and gain insights into space technologies.
Up to 75 innovative problem statements will be selected to advance to the next phase.
Phase 2: Innovate (6 Months)
In the Innovate phase, participants will receive intensive training to refine their entrepreneurial and technical skills. Industry and academic mentors will guide them in transforming their ideas into viable business proposals.
Participants can receive a Seed Grant of up to Rs. 2,00,000 to support consultancy services, travel, materials, and IT resources.
After six months, the top 20 proposals will be selected for the final phase.
Phase 3: Demonstrate (12 Months)
The final phase focuses on developing ideas into Proof of Concept (POC) projects. Participants will receive a POC Grant of up to Rs. 10,00,000 to aid their development.
They must register as a startup or company and will have access to technical facilities at ISRO, IN-SPACe, and partner institutions.
Mentoring support and networking opportunities with venture capitalists and angel investors will be provided to ensure robust project development and commercialization.
Application Areas:
Participants can submit their proposals in a variety of space technology domains, including:
- Launch Vehicle and its systems
- Propulsion Systems
- Satellite Systems Engineering
- Flight Mechanics, Guidance, Navigation & Control
- Space-based Navigation and Communication
- Earth Observation
- Ground Segment
- SSA & STM and Space Exploration
Workshop Details:
- Date of Workshop: June 20, 2024 (Thursday)
- Time: 09:00 to 12:30 Hrs.
- Venue of Workshop: Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad
The upcoming workshop promises to be a pivotal event, setting the stage for innovative breakthroughs in India’s space technology sector.
It reflects IN-SPACe’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, driving the nation’s progress in space exploration and technology.
