The Indian National Centre for Promotion and Authorization of Space Activities (IN-SPACe), which functions as the regulator and promoter of the space industry, has selected six private companies from the space sector to receive seed funding under its AI INSPIRED program. The goal of this program is to stimulate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in space technologies.
The highlighted projects cover areas such as precision landing, space situational awareness, space debris detection, satellite servicing and refueling, autonomous target recognition, and spacecraft autonomy. Additionally, two other organizations have been chosen to receive technical support and mentorship, including access to ISRO facilities for technology validation.
The program, announced in February 2026 under the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme, has a total budget of up to 6 crore rupees, with each selected company eligible for a grant of up to 1 crore rupees. These funds are intended to assist startups and micro and small enterprises in developing AI-based solutions for space applications.
Among the selected projects, Agnikul Cosmos will develop a terminal navigation module using edge AI to ensure precise landing. This technology aims to improve navigation during the final stages of the landing maneuver.
Digantara was chosen for its Agentic RSO Evaluation Suite (ARES) system, while EON Space Labs plans to create an intelligent optical payload based on edge AI using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). This project aims to provide real-time space situational awareness and space debris detection.
OrbitAid Aerospace will work on machine learning-based attitude estimation algorithms for in-orbit servicing and refueling. Such algorithms allow a spacecraft to determine its relative positions and orientations, which is critical for operations involving approaching, docking, or servicing another spacecraft.
Omnipresent Robot Technologies has been assigned a target recognition project applicable in fields such as defense and docking. TakeMeToSpace will focus on adaptive spacecraft autonomy through an AI-based modernization program for Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), which help set the spacecraft's orientation and maintain its intended direction.
IN-SPACe also provided mentorship and technical support to Foucault Private Limited and AkashaVeda Technologies, although they are not among the six recipients of seed grants. Foucault will develop an autonomous collision avoidance system for spacecraft using AI and machine learning. The AkashaVeda project focuses on AI-based mission management, covering both onboard and ground operations. Both companies will gain access to IN-SPACe and ISRO resources for technology validation and will be considered for technology transfer from the Department of Space.
According to IN-SPACe, this initiative is part of the center's efforts to expand private sector participation in India's space industry by supporting the development of indigenous products and technologies.