ISRO- Microsoft to enhance spacetech startup ecosystem in India

Bengaluru, Jan 5 (KNN) With the aim to empower spacetech startup ecosystem in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a collaboration with Microsoft on Thursday.

Under this partnership, the space tech startups identified by ISRO will be on-boarded on Microsoft’s Startups Founders Hub platform.

ISRO's collaboration with Microsoft will greatly benefit space tech startups in their analysis and processing of vast amounts of satellite data for various applications, using cutting-edge methods like AI, Machine Learning and Deep Learning, said S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO.

The 'Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub' platforms aims to supports startups at every stage of their journey-from idea to unicorn.

This tie-up will allow space-tech startup founders in India with free access to the tech tools, and resources they need to build and run their business.

This includes technical support to build and scale on Azure, best-in-class developer and productivity tools including GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise and Microsoft 365 and access to smart analytics with Power BI and Dynamics 365.

Speaking about the collaboration, Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India said, “through our technology tools, platforms and mentorship opportunities, we are deeply committed to empowering space tech startups in the country to drive cutting edge innovation and accelerate scientific discovery.”

Microsoft will also provide mentoring support to space tech entrepreneurs in areas ranging from space engineering to cloud technologies, product and design, fundraising and sales and marketing.

In addition, founders will have access to Microsoft Learn for tailored startup centric training content and programmes to help them build connections with the industry and potential customers, said the tech giant.

Both the partners will jointly hold knowledge sharing sessions for startups with space industry experts.

The government has opened up the space sector for private players. The country has more than 100 active startups in the spacetech sector.  (KNN Bureau)