India’s space sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation as the government and private investors pour capital into homegrown ventures. Between new regulatory funds and record‑setting rounds, five startups exemplify how India is charting its own path to the stars.
1. IN‑SPACe’s ₹580 Crore Technology Adoption Fund
In February 2025, India’s newly formed space regulator IN‑SPACe announced a Technology Adoption Fund worth ₹580 crore (≈ $58 million). The scheme will cover up to 60% of project costs for startups and MSMEs, and 40% for larger firms—capped at ₹25 crore per project—aiming to fast‑track private R&D and commercialisation of space technologies .
2. Stardour’s Green Propulsion Breakthrough
Hyderabad‑based Stardour recently test‑fired India’s first hydrogen‑oxygen rocket engine, entirely developed in‑house. Operating in stealth mode until now, Stardour’s eco‑friendly propulsion tech promises higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional hypergolic fuels. This milestone not only underscores private innovation but also aligns with global trends toward sustainable spaceflight .
3. Inbound Aerospace’s $1 Million Seed Round
Incubated at IIT Madras, Inbound Aerospace closed a $1 million pre‑series A round led by Speciale Invest, with participation from Piper Serica. The startup is developing modular satellite buses and ground‑station software aimed at democratizing small‑satellite access. With this capital, they plan to expand prototyping and onboard AI‑driven payloads for earth‑observation missions .
4. Omspace Rocket’s Pre‑Seed Boost of $3 Million
Just last week, Omspace Rocket & Exploration Pvt. Ltd. secured $3 million in pre‑seed funding from a leading family office and angel backers. This infusion will accelerate final testing of their Infinity One prototype—a small‑sat launch vehicle—and scale up associated ground‑infrastructure development in Bengaluru’s aerospace corridor .
5. Agnikul Cosmos and 3D‑Printed Engines
Founded in 2017, Agnikul Cosmos recently completed static tests of its semi‑cryogenic rocket engine, built using advanced 3D‑printing techniques. Having raised $95.5 million in a Series B round, Agnikul is targeting its first commercial Vikram‑S launch later this year, offering fully customizable “rocket‑as‑a‑service” for small‑sat operators .
6. OrbitAID’s $95 Million Funding Haul
OrbitAID Aerospace, backed by Meraki Labs and Graph Ventures, leads the pack with $95 million in aggregate funding. The startup is deploying a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites to deliver real‑time agricultural and environmental monitoring—addressing critical needs in disaster management and climate resilience .
