Amazon Web Services (AWS) India has launched its first space accelerator program in the country to support 24 promising space technology startups. Known as AWS Space Accelerator: India, the 14-week program aims to provide technical expertise, training, and mentoring to foster innovation in the space sector. The initiative is a result of a memorandum of understanding signed between AWS, Isro, and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) in 2023, with the goal of driving the growth and development of space startups across India.
Clint Crosier, director of aerospace and satellite business at AWS, highlighted that this is the first time AWS has tied a Space Accelerator program to a specific country. He expressed optimism about the Indian Space Sector’s potential for extraordinary growth, mentioning the record number of startups, strong government support, and the country’s skilled workforce in space-related technologies.
The selected startups cover a diverse range of space segments, including spacecraft propulsion, orbital and launch vehicles, satellite imaging, geospatial applications, and space tourism. Participants include startups from various cities such as Thoothukudi, Port Blair, and Ahmedabad, focusing on launch vehicles, sustainable satellites, advanced geospatial analytics, and satellite technology-based precision agriculture.
Apart from mentorship and training, the shortlisted startups will receive up to $100,000 in AWS credits to aid in the development and scaling of their solutions. The acceleration program is supported by T-Hub, an innovation hub and ecosystem facilitator, as well as Minfy, an AWS Premier Partner. The selection process for the startups involved evaluating factors such as the uniqueness of the solution, product-market fit, innovation, sustainability, creative use of AWS technology, and the team’s ability to execute on their vision.
This initiative marks a significant step towards nurturing and empowering space technology startups in India, leveraging the expertise and resources of AWS to drive innovation and growth in the space sector. The collaboration between AWS, Isro, and IN-SPACe underlines the importance of fostering a conducive environment for the development and advancement of space technology in the country. Through this accelerator program, promising startups have the opportunity to access valuable support, guidance, and resources to propel their ventures to new heights in the evolving space industry landscape.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amazon-web-services-india-launches-first-space-accelerator-program-for-24-startups/articleshow/111338168.cms
