Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently lauded India’s Gen-Z engineers, designers, coders, and scientists for leading breakthroughs in space technology, including propulsion systems, rocket stages, composites, and satellite platforms.
Speaking at the inauguration of Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, Modi praised the energy and innovation of over 300 private space startups now active in India.
He highlighted how India’s youth-driven innovation is positioning the country as a global leader in satellite launches and announced plans to open the nuclear sector, marking a new era driven by young innovators.
A Rising Private Space Sector Spurs Innovation
India’s private space ecosystem has blossomed since government reforms allowed startups access to space missions and funding. Skyroot Aerospace, founded by former ISRO scientists, recently unveiled Vikram-I, the country’s first private orbital rocket capable of launching satellites.
The government-backed supportive environment includes venture capital funds and relaxed foreign direct investment rules, fostering rapid growth and global investor interest. Modi emphasised the spirit of youth entrepreneurship and risk-taking as key to India’s expanding role on the world spacetech stage.
Young Talent Propelling India’s Space Ambitions
Modi stressed how young engineers, coders, and scientists are working on cutting-edge technologies unimaginable just years ago. “India’s youth put the nation’s interests first,” he said. The Infinity Campus will facilitate rapid design, integration and testing of multiple launch vehicles.
Officials noted the milestone as part of India’s broader objective to rank among the top global satellite launch ecosystems and develop world-class, cost-effective space systems driven by private industry innovation.
Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus
Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad is a cutting-edge rocket manufacturing facility spread over 200,000 square feet.
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this state-of-the-art facility is designed for end-to-end development, integration, and testing of multiple launch vehicles, with the capability to build one orbital rocket every month.
The campus embodies India’s new thinking and youth power, fostering innovation among young engineers and scientists. It represents a significant step in making India a global space power, supporting private sector advancement in satellite launch technology.
India’s Growth in the Energy and Innovation Sector
India has witnessed rapid advancements in its energy and innovation sectors with a focus on sustainable, high-tech solutions. The government’s push to open strategic sectors, including nuclear energy, to private players aims to attract investment and unleash young talent’s creativity.
Initiatives like establishing modern Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines and increasing support for tech startups underscore India’s commitment to becoming a global innovation hub. This growth reflects a vision of harnessing technology and entrepreneurship to fuel economic development and energy security.
India’s Expanding Development in the Space Sector
India’s space sector has evolved remarkably, transitioning from a government-dominated enterprise to a flourishing ecosystem enriched by private startups like Skyroot Aerospace.
Government reforms have opened space activities to private players, boosting innovation in satellite platforms, propulsion systems, and rocket stages. India is positioning itself as a leader in the global satellite launch market, with ambitions to scale rapid, cost-effective launches.
Supportive policies and the rise of youth-led tech ventures signal a new era, where India’s space capabilities continue to grow both technologically and commercially on the world stage.
Milestones in India’s Private Space Sector
- Space Sector Reforms 2020: The government introduced reforms facilitating private sector participation across satellite design, launch vehicle manufacturing, and ground services, creating IN-SPACe as the regulatory nodal agency.
- IN-SPACe Establishment: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) was established in 2020 as a single-window to authorize and promote private players.
- Private Startups Growth: Over 300 space startups now operate in India, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, and Dhruva Space.
- Skyroot Aerospace Milestones: In 2022, Skyroot launched Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket to space, and in 2025 unveiled the Vikram-I orbital rocket at its Infinity Campus.
- Private Launch Pad: Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated India’s first private space launch pad at Sriharikota in 2022.
- Satellite Launches by Private Sector: Startups have commenced commercial satellite launches and developed advanced propulsion systems and satellite platforms.
- Venture Capital Fund: The government approved a ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund under IN-SPACe to support space startups’ growth.
- Space Vision 2047: Strategic long-term goals include expanding private industry participation toward India’s leadership in space technology and exploration.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Celebrating India’s youth as torchbearers of technological progress inspires hope and reflects a commitment to inclusive growth. However, nurturing innovation requires continual investment in education, infrastructure and ethical policies to ensure equitable access and societal benefit.
This moment also invites reflection on the responsibility of scientific advancements to safeguard peace, environment and humanity’s future.
