The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the nodal agency in Department of Space (DoS) responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise space activities of the Non-Government Entities (NGEs), has announced the Seed Fund Scheme for start-ups operating in the areas of Urban Development and Disaster Management by using space technology.
The scheme, launched in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO will provide opportunities for NGEs that leverage space technology for societal benefits to graduate to the next level. The last date of application for the Seed Fund Scheme is 20th December 2023.
As part of the scheme, selected start-ups will receive seed funding for transforming an original idea into a prototype using space technology, ISRO facility support including Earth Observation (EO) data for validation of the concept, mentorship support, and access to data algorithm as transfer of technology from DoS.
Talking about the unique scheme, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “The role of the space sector is crucial to the overall development of the national economy, and IN-SPACe has been bringing out schemes from time-to-time for promoting space technology for the benefit of the common man. The Seed Fund Scheme is a part of IN-SPACe's efforts to provide a special thrust to enhance the space activity capabilities of the nation with the active participation of the start-ups. This scheme is designed to support Indian space start-ups that aim to develop innovative space products and services, thereby improving the quality of life for people and communities in India and around the world.”
The scheme details can be downloaded from https://www.inspace.gov.in/. The IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme has the provision of providing financial assistance up to Rs.1 crore in addition to mentorship support, training and networking opportunities.
For urban development, opportunities abound for start-ups working in the domains of urban planning, monitoring and infrastructure management, telecommunication, navigation, broadband connectivity, water resources management, energy efficiency, climate and weather monitoring, disaster risk reduction, public health, healthcare, and more.
Similarly, disaster management offers opportunities for startups specializing in the domains of Geographical Information System (GIS), early warning and monitoring systems, insurance and risk assessment, communication and navigation systems, climate change monitoring, search and rescue operations, space-borne sensors, and instruments, among others.
The applications to the Seed Fund Scheme should be made only through the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (IDP). More details on eligibility criteria and nature of financial assistance can be availed at IN-SPACe Disaster & Urban Page – IN-SPACe (inspace.gov.in).