IN-SPACe director Vinod Kumar

NEW DELHI: Space promoter and regulator IN-SPACe on Wednesday announced an AI inspired seed fund scheme of Rs 6 crore for startups or people interested in developing AI applications in the space sector.The seed fund initiative is aimed at accelerating AI-driven innovation across India’s private space ecosystem through targeted financial and institutional support. Vinod Kumar, director, promotion directorate, Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Centre, made the announcement while speaking at a specialised session of the AI Impact Summit in Delhi titled “Beyond Earth: How AI is Powering the Next Era of Space Exploration”.Talking to TOI on the sidelines of the event, Kumar said, “Nowadays, AI applications are being used on ground in the space sector and in orbit. AI is now in every part of the space sector. Keeping this in mind, we have announced this new seed fund for any applicant that can replace any traditional method in the space sector with an AI application. We will invite applications from such startups, companies or even persons, and shortlist such five entities and provide them a grant of Rs 1 crore each for such AI applications. So, a total of Rs 6 crore has been announced.”When asked whether this grant amount will be increased, the director said, “Rs 6 crore is the initial seed fund. Rs 1 crore is sufficient for the application part. When any company’s idea is built up, then we have the technology adoption fund for that purpose, there we will provide the company Rs 35 crore. Even up to Rs 60 crore venture capital fund is available for such companies.” The last date for receipt of applications is March 20.On how prevalent is AI in Isro’s day-to-day work, the INSPACe director said, “AI is used for data analytics like hazard detection, AI is being used for processing data from satellites, and even human robot ‘Vyommitra’ developed for the Gaganyaan mission is also using AI. Even for the ground testing of a satellite we are using AI. For example, checking any crack in thousands of solar cells, we use AI. AI has entered our system.”He also disclosed that “a fully autonomous and advanced version of Vyommitra, based on AI, will be used in the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station that will come up by 2035”.On how INSPACe is helping startups, the director said, “Currently, there are 390 space startups. We have received 850+ applications from startups in various aspects of the space sector, who are seeking our help. There are 12 courses we have designed in the space sector. And, over 58 colleges have added space applications in their curriculum. Many private companies have set up their own space facilities. But where companies are not able to have their own set up, INSPACe or Isro provide them help or do the hand-holding.”The director said, “Both space and AI are burgeoning sectors, and their convergence holds strong potential to transform how we explore and operate in complex and remote environments through autonomous and intelligent decision making. We are keen to see how non-govt entities use this opportunity to develop solutions that serve national priorities over the long term.”