Centre plans space labs in universities to boost India’s growing private space sector

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday reviewed plans to set up space laboratories in universities and colleges across India, according to a statement released here. The initiative involves establishing seven such labs, which would provide hands-on exposure to students in satellite systems, rocketry and mission design. "The aim is to build a strong pipeline of skilled youth for India's expanding space sector, which has attracted over USD 600 million in private investment over the past five years following the opening up of the sector to non-government entities," an official said.

Singh also reviewed the progress made in India's space reforms and the growing participation of private players across the value chain. The country's private space ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with the number of startups increasing from a single digit in 2019 to more than 400 by early 2026.

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"These startups are now active across launch vehicles, satellite and payload manufacturing, ground infrastructure, data services and emerging in-orbit segments," the official said.

The government has launched a host of initiatives to support this momentum. For instance, Rs 500 crore Technology Adoption Fund is enabling the transition of early-stage innovations into commercially viable products, the official said. "Efforts to build a skilled workforce are also underway, with 17 specialised training programmes completed and nearly 900 participants certified in areas such as satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle systems and space cybersecurity," the official added.