Science & Tech · AI · 2 hrs ago
IN-SPACe selects six private firms for AI space technology grants
IN-SPACe selected six private space-sector entities for seed-fund grants under its AI INSPIRED programme in India.
The programme was announced in February 2026 and has a total funding pool of up to Rs 6 crore, with each grantee eligible for up to Rs 1 crore.
The projects apply AI to space operations, including precision landing, debris detection, satellite servicing and spacecraft autonomy.
Selected projects include work by Agnikul Cosmos on landing navigation and by EON Space Labs on detecting debris and monitoring activity in space.
Two more entities will receive mentorship and technical support but are not among the six grant recipients.
They can use IN-SPACe and ISRO facilities to validate their technologies, and may be considered for technology transfer from the Department of Space.
The programme aims to strengthen private space technology in India by helping start-ups and small businesses develop locally made solutions.
IN-SPACe selected six private space-sector entities for seed-fund grants under its AI INSPIRED programme.
The projects cover precision landing, space situational awareness, debris detection, satellite servicing and refuelling, automated target recognition and spacecraft autonomy.
Each selected entity is eligible for a grant of up to Rs 1 crore, within a programme outlay of up to Rs 6 crore.
Two additional entities were selected for mentorship and technical support, including access to IN-SPACe and Isro facilities for technology validation.
The programme aims to encourage the use of artificial intelligence in space technology and support private participation in India’s space sector.
- Who
- IN-SPACe selected six private space-sector entities for grants and two others for mentorship and technical support.
- What
- The AI INSPIRED programme is supporting AI-based space technology projects with grants of up to Rs 1 crore per selected entity.
- When
- The programme was announced in February 2026. The selection was reported on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To encourage the use of artificial intelligence in space technology and support the development of indigenous technologies and products.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
IN-SPACe announced the AI INSPIRED programme under its Seed Fund Scheme.
IN-SPACe’s selection of six seed-fund grantees and two entities for mentorship and technical support was reported.
- Seed-fund grantees
- 6 private space-sector entities
- Maximum grant
- Rs 1 crore per selected entity
- Programme outlay
- Up to Rs 6 crore
- Mentorship and technical support
- Foucault Private Limited and AkashaVeda Technologies
- Programme
- AI INSPIRED