ISRO, Microsoft collaborate to support space-tech startups in India

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Microsoft on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fuel the growth of space technology startups in India.

Through the tie-up, the space tech startups identified by ISRO will be onboarded onto the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform that supports startups at every stage of their journey.

The space-tech startup founders in India will have free access to tech tools and resources they need to build and run their business.

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

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

“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 ISRO chairman S Somanath.

“We are pleased to work together to assist and support entrepreneurs, to in turn benefit the Indian economy as a whole,” he added.

Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari 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.”

Somnath had earlier said that ISRO would move its
operational activities to its marketing arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and focus on research and development in the area of advanced space technologies in the coming years.

He said the ISRO has over the years been focusing more on delivering applications for the government and the public; having created systems, and building, launching and operating satellites, providing communication, earth observation and navigation services.