AWS launches accelerator program to support space startups in India

Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited today announced the launch of AWS Space Accelerator: India, a 14-week dynamic program to propel innovation in India's space economy.

The AWS Space Accelerator: India program will foster startups focused on space technology, and accelerate their development by providing dedicated business resources, expertise, and guidance around technology and business capabilities, and also help them leverage AWS to build, grow, and scale their missions.

The program follows the MoU between AWS, ISRO and IN-SPACe announced in September 2023, which aims to nurture startups in space-tech, and support innovation in the Indian space sector.

"The launch of AWS's first space accelerator for India-based startups directly supports our commitment to the Indian space industry through our MoU with ISRO, and IN-SPACe, announced last year. India has world-class talent in the space sector, and we look forward to collaborating with ISRO, IN-SPACe, T-Hub and Minfy through this initiative to nurture space-tech innovation in the country," said Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist, Public Sector, AWS India Private Limited.

Starting today, both early-stage and mature startups based in India can apply for the AWS Space Accelerator: India program. The application period is open until March 17, 2024. Up to 20 Startups will be accepted to the program, which is scheduled to kick off in April 2024.

Startups accepted for the program will receive an array of benefits, including: up to US$100,000 in AWS credits, guidance from experts at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IN-SPACe, and AWS, and business and technology support from T-Hub and Minfy, an AWS Premier Partner.

"Through the AWS India Space Accelerator program, we aim to empower startups to build secure and scalable solutions by leveraging cloud and AI. With our years of knowledge and experience of helping hundreds of customers build successfully on AWS, we are committed to help startups be well poised for innovation and growth,"said Raj Chilakapati, global pre-sales leader, Minfy.