Startup revolution key to growth in space technology, says NRSC Director

With a strong call for a startup-driven transformation of India’s space sector, the Andhra Pradesh Space Tech Summit–2026 was inaugurated at Vignan’s University, Vadlamudi in Guntur district on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, said a ‘revolution of startups’ is essential to accelerate growth in space technology.

The summit, organised jointly by Vignan’s University, the Andhra Pradesh SpaceTech Academy and Ananth Technologies, is being held under the theme ‘Leveraging Space Technology for Viksit Bharat–2047’.

Dr. Chauhan noted that India’s space startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, from just a handful three years ago to nearly 300 now, following policy reforms. He said earth observation, communication and navigation satellites would be critical for agriculture, disaster management, climate monitoring, transport and digital services.

He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s strategic advantage with Sriharikota and strong academia–industry linkages.

Infrastructure and Investments Department Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu said the space sector offers world-class opportunities for the youth and will play a key role in achieving Viksit Bharat–2047 goals.

Vignan’s chairman Lavu Rathaiah stressed that national development is impossible without space technology.

During the event, the ‘South India Rocketry Challenge–2026’ was launched and the AP SpaceTech Academy released its first publication, Space Tech Spectrum Journal.