Karnataka, SIA to launch 10 cr Space Tech Centre of Excellence

• Karnataka’s CoE in space tech, backed by Rs 10 crore, targets $22 billion by 2033.
• The Bengaluru-based centre will drive satellite manufacturing, AI, and quantum communications innovation.
• Aims to incubate 20+ startups, train 2,000+ professionals, and generate $100 million in revenue.

Karnataka has greenlit a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in space technology, a collaborative effort with Satcom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) and a consortium comprising Ananth Technologies Ltd, International Institute of Space Studies and Research (IISSR), KickSky, and BES Space. The initiative, supported by an initial Rs 10 crore funding over five years, aims to position Karnataka as a leader in India’s burgeoning space economy.

The CoE aligns with Karnataka’s Draft Space Technology Policy 2024, targeting a 50% share of India’s projected $44 billion space sector by 2033, approximately $22 billion. Located in Bengaluru, home to ISRO’s headquarters, the centre will focus on satellite manufacturing, communications, Earth observation analytics, navigation systems, space situational awareness, in-orbit servicing, and AI-powered quantum communications.

SIA-India emphasizes the urgent need for over 2 lakh skilled space professionals by 2035 to compete globally. “State-led initiatives like this are crucial for unlocking India's regional innovation capacity and achieving our national space ambitions. We’re proud to partner with the Karnataka govt and our consortium members to drive next-generation space R&D, entrepreneurship, and skilling,” said SIA-India director-general Anil Prakash.

Also Read: Starlink Gets License to Launch Satellite Internet in India

The CoE’s five-year roadmap includes incubating over 20 NewSpace startups, producing 50+ research outputs, training more than 2,000 professionals (200 in the first year), facilitating 10+ global joint ventures and technology transfers, and generating $100 million in revenue from startup-led innovation. “This CoE is not just a facility—it is a strategic nucleus that consolidates Karnataka's leadership in the global space economy,” said SIA-India president and Ananth Technologies CMD Subba Rao Pavuluri.

The scheme will be supplemented by national programs such as Rs 500 crore Tech Adoption Fund and Rs 1,000 crore VC Fund maintained by IN-SPACe. Development of similar efforts is also being sought by SIA-India with Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kerala states.

A Joint Governing Committee will oversee the CoE’s phased implementation, starting with infrastructure setup and stakeholder onboarding. The centre will support India’s lunar missions, human spaceflight, and future solar missions while contributing to applications in agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning.