India’s spacetech startup landscape has entered an unprecedented growth phase, driven by bold government reforms, strategic funding, and global ambitions. Once the sole domain of ISRO, India now boasts more than 350 active spacetech startups as of 2025, catalyzed by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and sizable public-private investments.

Why Spacetech Is Ripe for Innovation

The space ecosystem in India is growing at a projected 26% CAGR, with ambitions to reach a market value of $77 billion by 2030. This pace is fueled by multiple factors: liberalized policies allowing private and foreign investment, the launch of sector-specific venture capital funds (like the Rs 1,000 crore VC fund launched in 2025), and big goals set by national leadership to produce five spacetech unicorns in five years.

Star Players and Breakthroughs

Leading the charge are startups such as Skyroot Aerospace (India’s first private rocket company), Agnikul Cosmos (pioneering 3D-printed engines), Pixxel (hyperspectral earth observation satellites), Bellatrix Aerospace (advanced propulsion) and Dhruva Space (full-stack satellite solutions). Skyroot completed the historic Vikram-S launch and recently test-fired India’s largest privately-developed rocket stage, the Kalam-1200, in 2025. Agnikul, meanwhile, launched Agnibaan SOrTeD, marking India’s first flight from a private launch pad.

The sector is seeing strategic partnerships with ISRO and global firms like Axiom Space, as well as multimillion-dollar investments from major funds and corporates. MSMEs and Indian manufacturing are also being pulled into the orbit, creating new jobs and supply chains.

Expanding Horizons

Spacetech startups are moving beyond satellite launches into earth observation, communication, in-orbit servicing, space-grade AI, infrastructure monitoring, and microgravity biotech. The ripple effect includes job creation, homegrown intellectual property, affordable access to space, and a surge in downstream applications benefiting agriculture, mining, climate, and defense.

The Opportunity Ahead

With supportive policies, record funding, and the PM’s clear push for entrepreneurial growth, spacetech offers some of the deepest and most exciting opportunities in India’s startup landscape. As more launches and missions take off, India is well-positioned to become a global contender, offering new frontiers for founders, investors, and innovators alike.