Amazon Web Services (AWS) India has inaugurated its first-ever space accelerator program in India, designed to support 24 innovative startups from across the country.
The 14-week program aims to provide dedicated technical expertise, specialized AWS training, and mentoring from space domain and technical experts.
This initiative results from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement AWS signed with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) in 2023 to jointly support the growth and development of space startups in India.
Clint Crosier, Director of the Aerospace and Satellite business at AWS, explained, “We specifically chose to hold this first country-focused space accelerator in India, because we see extraordinary growth opportunities in the India space sector. There are a record number of new Indian space startups forming, there is strong support from the Government of India as evidenced by our MoU with ISRO and IN-SPACe, and India has some of the best educated and proficient talent in the world in the technical areas that encompass space. We are pleased to see many talented space startups participate in this exciting program.”
The selected startups will also receive up to US $100,000 cumulatively in AWS credits and support to build and scale their solutions. The accelerator is supported by T-Hub, an innovation hub and ecosystem enabler, and Minfy, an AWS Premier Partner.
Applications for the program were evaluated based on the uniqueness and innovation of the startups’ solutions, product-market fit, innovation and sustainability, the creative application of AWS technology, and the team’s ability to deliver on their vision.
AWS Space Accelerator: India 2024 program
The startups selected for the AWS Space Accelerator: India 2024 program operate in a range of space segments such as spacecraft propulsion, orbital and launch vehicles, satellite imagery, among others.
The 24 selected startups will explore how to best leverage space data and build secure and scalable solutions using AWS technologies in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, data analytics, and more.
In addition, the accelerator will provide startups with knowledge on go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and business fundamentals, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive space tech landscape.
Demo Day
The AWS Space Accelerator: India program will culminate with an event in July/August 2024, where the 24 startups will present their innovative solutions to leaders from AWS, T-Hub, Minfy, and the space sector.
This event will provide a platform for the startups to showcase their innovations and gain visibility among key stakeholders and potential investors.
