Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to support space-tech innovations through cloud computing. This collaboration will give space startups, research institutes and students access to cutting edge cloud technologies that accelerate the development of new solutions in the space sector.
ISRO, IN-SPACe and AWS will work collaboratively to nurture and grow the startup community in the space-tech sector. AWS will provide eligible space startups tools, resources, and expert technical support at no cost through the AWS Activate program. This will enable startups build innovative solutions and commercialise them faster. Startups will also benefit from access to AWS and its global experience of building aerospace and satellite solutions through the AWS Space Accelerator program.
The three organisations will also collaborate on a new initiative to train students and educators in cloud computing, AI, ML, analytics, and security, by leveraging AWS education programs. This initiative will enable students to pursue industry-recognized cloud computing certifications, and build future space startups in India using advanced technologies.
The three-way collaboration follows the recent approval of the Indian Space Policy, 2023, by the Government of India. The policy provides a strategic roadmap for the growth and development of India’s space program and ambitions. The availability of low-latency internet, high-resolution Earth observation data, and Internet of Things communications are creating opportunities for startups, scientists, and researchers to innovate at scale, using cloud computing, data, AI and ML.
“Cloud computing-led innovations enable the space industry to make better decisions, faster – pushing the boundaries of possibilities, and AWS is committed to help startups identify use cases and accelerate solution development, and build a strong talent pool in India with expertise in cloud and space. We look forward to helping customers in India build space-tech solutions to make life on Earth better,” says Shalini Kapoor, Director and Chief Technologist, Public Sector, AWS India and South Asia. “We are at a pivotal time in India’s space journey as the Indian government focuses on broadening and strengthening the country’s capabilities in the aerospace and satellite industry,” says Kapoor.
