Microsoft and ISRO Collaborate to Boost Indian Space Tech Startups
In a significant development for the Indian space industry, Microsoft has announced a partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to provide free access to cloud tools and resources to Indian space tech startups. This collaboration is part of Microsoft’s efforts to deepen its ties with young firms in the South Asian market.
A Memorandum of Understanding
As part of a memorandum of understanding between Microsoft and ISRO, the company will provide go-to-market support and help startups become enterprise-ready. Startups handpicked by ISRO will be onboarded to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform, where they will receive free access to several tools and resources.
Free Access to Cloud Tools
The tools and resources available on the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform include:
- Azure: Help with building and scaling on Azure
- GitHub Enterprise: Collaboration and version control
- Visual Studio Enterprise: Integrated development environment
- Microsoft 365: Productivity suite
- Power BI: Business analytics service
- Dynamics 365: Customer relationship management
ISRO’s chairman, S Somanath, stated that the 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.
A Boost to Indian Space Tech Startups
Indian space tech startups are having a moment. In June 2020, the Indian government passed the space sector reforms and established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) to allow private companies to use ISRO’s infrastructure. The government also set up NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as the commercial arm of the space agency to work closely with private companies and startups.
In November last year, ISRO successfully launched the Vikram-S after much anticipation in a boost to the private sector. The Vikram-S, developed by four-year-old startup Skyroot Aerospace, is a single-stage, spin-stabilized solid-propellant rocket with a mass of around 550 kilograms. It carries three customer payloads, including one from a customer outside India.
The South Asian nation has 111 space startups registered on the IN-SPACe platform, per an official response shared in the upper house of the country’s parliament in December. Startups such as GIC-backed Skyroot Aerospace and Rocketship.vc-invested Agnikul are into developing launch vehicles, while Blume Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners–backed Pixxel and ANIC-ARISE and Kalaari Capital–invested Digantara are building satellites.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Indian space startups raised over $245.35 million, with $108.52 million infused in 2022 alone, according to the data shared by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) with TechCrunch.
Microsoft has made scores of announcements in India this week as chief executive Satya Nadella visits the South Asian market. The company said earlier this week that HDFC Bank and Yes Bank have signed up to use Azure and other Microsoft cloud services.
A Bright Future Ahead
This collaboration between Microsoft and ISRO is a significant step forward for the Indian space industry, providing startups with the resources they need to succeed. With the government’s support and private companies investing heavily in the sector, the future of Indian space tech looks bright indeed.
