New Delhi, February 18 India's space sector promoter, IN-SPACe, announced a grant of Rs 1 crore for startups and MSMEs to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in various areas of space activities.
The announcement of the 'AI INSPIRED (Innovating Space Performance with Intelligent Resilient Engines Development) Opportunities in the Space Sector' was made by Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe).
The funding support will be provided as a grant under the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, IN-SPACe said in a statement.
"We will support selected entities with proposal development, access to resources, mentorship, skills, and solution building support. We are keen to see how non-governmental entities can use this opportunity to develop solutions that serve national priorities in the long term," Kumar said.
The AI INSPIRED Opportunities in the Space Sector programme is designed to support the integration of AI with space exploration and applications, with a total budget of up to Rs 6 crore, with a maximum of Rs 1 crore to each selected grantee.
"Up to six grantees will be selected, with each eligible to receive grant-in-aid support of up to Rs 1 crore to advance their projects," Kumar said.
IN-SPACe seeks proposals that apply AI across key areas of space activity, including intelligent onboard and in-orbit systems, AI-enabled use of space-derived data for Earth-based applications, and technology-led approaches that improve efficiency, reliability, and access in space operations.
The initiative is intended to promote practical and high-impact innovation that connects AI capabilities with space technologies and downstream use cases.
Applications are invited from space startups and micro and small industries working on innovative AI-based solutions relevant to the space sector in three tracks – Edge Intelligence in Orbit, Space for Earth Intelligence, and Smart Access to Space, the statement said.