By Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (r)
In recent years, Hyderabad has emerged as a growing hub for India’s private space industry. While Bengaluru has long been recognized as India’s space capital, Hyderabad is carving out its own unique niche, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovative startups, established players, and supportive government policies. With its robust infrastructure, conducive business environment, and proactive government support, the city is rapidly becoming a hotspot for space technology startups, research institutions, and established players alike.
Dynamic Support & Vision for Space Exploration
The government has recognized the immense potential of the space sector and has taken strategic steps to position the state as a leader in this domain. The state’s visionary approach is driven by a deep understanding of the multifaceted benefits that a thriving space industry can bring, ranging from technological advancements to economic growth and job creation.
Hyderabad’s space startup ecosystem is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Established players like MTAR Technologies, Ananth Technologies, and Astra Microwave Products provide a solid foundation, offering expertise in space hardware manufacturing and microwave systems respectively. This mix of young innovators and experienced companies creates a dynamic environment ripe for collaboration and growth.
Skyroot Aerospace, a remarkable success story, has garnered international attention for its innovative approach to developing cost-effective launch vehicles. In November 2022, the company successfully tested India’s first private-sector rocket, ‘Vikram-S,’ a technological feat that could revolutionize the space industry.
Similarly, Azista-BST and Dhruva Space, which provide full-stack services in satellite manufacturing, have demonstrated significant capabilities and are set to make strides in developing small satellites for various applications, including Earth observation, communication, and remote sensing.
Government Support: A Key Differentiator
Apart from other factors, the proactive approach and inheritance of initiatives in the state over the last 20 years by the government have been positive factors in the growth. The state’s ambitious Space Tech Framework, unveiled in 2021, provides a comprehensive roadmap for nurturing the space ecosystem. From incubation centers to skill development programs, the government is laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration and talent development, the government has established several initiatives to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and research institutions. The Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) has been instrumental in providing specialized training programs in space technologies, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Furthermore, the government has facilitated partnerships between leading universities, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad and the University of Hyderabad, and space companies, fostering collaborative research and knowledge exchange.
Supportive Infrastructure and Investor Ecosystem
Hyderabad’s well-developed infrastructure and robust investor ecosystem have been instrumental in attracting and retaining space companies. AIC T-Hub, sanctioned under the Atal Innovation Mission of the Government of India, supports and encourages SpaceTech startups by creating a robust ecosystem that grants access to investors, global mentors, industries, service providers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
One reason space tech has flourished in the city is the already existing state-of-the-art research facilities, which include the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and now T-Hub. These institutions provide invaluable resources for space-related research and development activities. The Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) is an initiative by the Government of Telangana in 2017 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. The cell also provides access to facilities such as labs, co-working spaces, and equipment to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
The city is home to many multinational corporations like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Safran. This has fostered a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a fertile ground for the cross-pollination of ideas and talent.
The government has also taken proactive measures to attract investments in the space sector and have streamlined the process of setting up businesses in the state, providing a conducive environment for space companies to establish and expand their operations.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The city is well-positioned to contribute to India’s ambitions in the space sector and to become a global hub for space innovation and entrepreneurship.
Despite the impressive progress, challenges remain. The availability of specialized talent, particularly in areas like rocket propulsion and satellite engineering, needs to be addressed. Streamlining regulatory processes will be crucial for fostering innovation and attracting international collaborations.
With its unique blend of startup innovation, established expertise, government support, and world-class infrastructure, Hyderabad is not just following in Bengaluru’s footsteps; it’s charting its own course, creating a unique space cluster as other states develop their own space initiatives.
IN-SPACe has signed MoUs with Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The Gujarat government is establishing a space applications cluster at Sanand, and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is developing a space park near Chennai to attract space-related industries. Kerala has also announced plans for a Space Park to leverage the expertise of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s facilities in the state. These initiatives across India are collectively strengthening the country’s position in the global space industry. As we look to the future, it’s clear that India’s space story will be written not just in one city but in multiple hubs of excellence across the country.
Lt Gen. Anil Kumar Bhatt (r) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM was the Military Secretary of the Indian Army. Prior to this, he served as the 47th Commander, XV Corps of the Indian Army between 1 February 2018 and 7 February 2019. He is the first Director General of Indian Space Association IsPA inaugurated on October 11, 2021