AWS launches its first-ever space accelerator program in India to support spacetech startups

Amazon-owned Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its first-ever space accelerator program in India, selecting 24 startups to participate. 

The initiative, named AWS Space Accelerator: India, is designed to foster innovation and growth in the space technology (spacetech) sector.

The 14-week program provides technical expertise, specialized AWS training, and mentorship from industry experts.

How were the startups selected?

The selection process for the accelerator was rigorous. Startups were chosen based on their innovative solutions, product-market fit, sustainability, and creative use of AWS technology.

The evaluation also considered the teams' ability to execute their vision.

The 24 startups selected cover various segments of the space industry, including spacecraft propulsion, orbital and launch vehicles, satellite imagery, geospatial applications, weather analysis, and space tourism. 

Notably, these startups are not just from major cities but also from diverse locations such as Mangaluru, Port Blair, and Thoothukudi.

Who are the selected startups?

The shortlisted startups are Advick Agventure, AERO2ASTRO, Aeroin SpaceTech Pvt. Ltd., Agnihotri Aerospace, AkashaLabdhi Pvt. Ltd., Brahmaandco Spacetech, Blurgs AI, CoralComp Pvt. Ltd., Cosmicport, Cosmo Crawler, Expanse Cosmos, GISKernel Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Inbound Aerospace, Insight360.ai, KosmosOne, Omspace Rocket and Exploration, Onnes Cryogenics Pvt. Ltd., Pramatra Space, Satlabs Space Systems, Sisir Radar, Space Aura, SpanTrik, Taramandal, and Thrustworks Dynetics.

Startups to receive AWS credits worth up to $100,000

The selected startups will receive cumulative AWS credits worth up to $100,000, along with extensive support to develop and scale their solutions.

The support includes access to advanced technologies like Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and data analytics.

Additionally, startups will receive guidance on go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and business fundamentals, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive space tech landscape.

AWS' partnership with ISRO and IN-SPACe

The accelerator program comes after AWS signed an MoU with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) in 2023. 

The MoU signifies the collaborative effort to support the growth of space startups in India.

Clint Crosier, Director of the Aerospace and Satellite Business at AWS, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “We specifically chose to hold this first country-focused space accelerator in India because we see extraordinary growth opportunities in the Indian space sector.”

“We specifically chose to hold this first country-focused space accelerator in India, because we see extraordinary growth opportunities in the India space sector. There are a record number of new Indian space startups forming, there is strong support from the Government of India as evidenced by our MoU with ISRO and IN-SPACe, and India has some of the best educated and proficient talent in the world in the technical areas that encompass space. We are pleased to see many talented space startups participate in this exciting program," Crosier added.

Startups to present innovative solutions to stakeholders 

The AWS Space Accelerator: India program will culminate with an event in July/August 2024, where the 24 startups will present their innovative solutions to key stakeholders and potential investors. 

The event aims to provide a platform for the startups to gain visibility and attract venture capital funding.

The program, supported by T-Hub and Minfy, is expected to significantly boost the startups' ability to leverage space data and build secure, scalable solutions using AWS technologies.