India has launches its first stateled Centre of Excellence for Space Technology. The centre, inaugurated in Bengaluru at the weekend by IT/BT Minister, Priyank Kharge in the presence of government officials, scientists and industry leaders, marked a major step in the country’s space economy while positioning Karnataka as a national space innovation hub.
The centre, established by the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society in collaboration with SIA-India, aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation of space technologies.
Speaking at the launch, Kharge said Karnataka has consistently led India’s technology and innovation sectors and the new centre would extend that leadership into this strategic sector.
The centre will focus on advanced research and innovation in space technologies, industry-aligned training, talent development, startup incubation and expanding the application of space technologies across sectors such as agriculture, climate, disaster management, connectivity, life sciences and national security.
During the launch, the state government expressed interest in the development of satellites for societal and end-user needs under the theme ‘Space Tech for Societal Impact.’
Officials highlighted the need for a common technical facility to support the growing space ecosystem and said consultations will be held with industry stakeholders.
