India’s space startup ecosystem has grown to around 440 companies, signalling a sharp expansion in private participation in a sector once dominated almost entirely by government agencies, according to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The figures, shared by Union Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh in Parliament, come as private investment and commercial launch activity gather pace following the government’s 2020 decision to open the space sector to private players.
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IN-SPACe Clears 113 Authorisations
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted 113 authorisations to 52 non-government entities (NGEs), of which 18 are startups, the government said.
The startups include Agnikul Cosmos, Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Digantara Research and Technologies, GalaxEye Space Solutions, PixxelSpace India, Skyroot Aerospace and others. Their work spans satellite operations, payloads, launch services and other space-related activities.
The government’s reforms in June 2020 also led to the creation of IN-SPACe as an independent, single-window agency to facilitate and regulate private participation in space.
Private companies seeking access to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) infrastructure, including launch pads at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, can apply through IN-SPACe’s digital platform. Applications are assessed for readiness by an expert committee.
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Private Investment Crosses $618 Million
The expansion is also visible in funding. Private investment in India’s space sector rose from $100.5 million in 2021-22 to $348.5 million in 2023-24, before reaching $618.5 million by March 31, 2026. Of that, $187 million was recorded in 2026 alone.
Launch activity is expected to increase further. Two commercial rocket launches by Indian private companies are proposed for financial year 2026-27, while the 2027-28 launch schedule is yet to receive approval. The government expects private Indian companies could potentially undertake more than six launches in 2027-28.
The next test for India’s space startup ecosystem will be turning this rapid rise in startups, funding and authorisations into a steady pipeline of commercial launches, satellite services and globally competitive space businesses.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
