Microsoft plans to work with India’s space agency to give Indian space technology startups free access to cloud tools, the two said Thursday.
As part of the memorandum of understanding Microsoft has signed with the Indian Space Research Institute, it says it will provide go-to-market support to space tech start-ups to help them get ready.
Startups selected by ISRO will be onboarded to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform, where they will have free access to several tools and resources. These tools include GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, Microsoft 365, Power BI, Dynamics 365, as well as build and scale on Azure.
“The collaboration between ISRO and Microsoft will help space technology start-ups analyze and process vast amounts of satellite data for a variety of applications using cutting-edge methods such as AI, machine learning and deep learning. It will bring great benefits.Statement.
“The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a convenient platform to connect startups and technology solution providers to support the national space tech ecosystem. I am happy that.”
Indian space tech start-ups are having their time.
In June 2020, the Government of India passed a reform of the space sector and established the Indian National Space Propulsion and Approval Center (IN-SPACe) to enable private companies to use ISRO’s infrastructure. The government has also established NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as the commercial arm of the space agency to work closely with private companies and start-ups.
Last November, ISRO successfully launched Vikram-S after growing hopes for the private sector. Developed by four-year-old startup Skyroot Aerospace, his Vikram-S is a single-stage spin-stable solid-propellant rocket with a mass of about 550 kilograms. He carries three customer payloads, including one from a customer outside India.
The South Asian country has 111 space startups registered on its In-SPACe platform, according to an official response shared by the Senate of the country’s parliament in December.
Startups such as Skyroot Aerospace, backed by GIC, and Agnikul, backed by Rocketship.vc, are working to develop rockets, while Pixxel, backed by Blume Ventures and Lightspeed Partners, and Digantara, backed by ANIC-ARISE and Kalaari Capital. building a satellite.
Indian space startups have raised over $245.35 million, with $108.52 million raised in 2022 alone, according to data shared with TechCrunch by the Indian Space Association (ISpA).
Microsoft made a number of announcements in India this week, with CEO Satya Nadella visiting 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.
