Microsoft and ISRO partners to support space technology startups in India

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Microsoft on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost the growth of space technology start-ups in India. The MOU aims to empower space technology startups across the country with technology tools and platforms, go-to-market support and mentoring to help them scale and become enterprise-ready.

This collaboration came at a time when Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella is in town to attend the Microsoft Future Ready Technology Summit. The cooperation should be strengthened ISRO’s Vision to capitalize on the market potential of the most promising space technology innovators and entrepreneurs in India, Microsoft said in a press release.

Through this connection, the space technology startups identified by ISRO will be included in the “Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub Platform,” which supports startups at every stage of their journey from idea to unicorn, it said.

Noting that through the hub, space technology start-up founders in India will have free access to the technical tools and resources they need to build and run their business, the publication goes on to say, which includes the technical support for building and scaling on Azure. Best-in-class developer and productivity tools like GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and Microsoft 365, and access to intelligent analytics with Power BI and Dynamics 365.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said that the space agency’s collaboration with Microsoft space technology start-ups in analyzing and processing large amounts of satellite data for various applications using cutting-edge methods such as AI, machine learning and deep learning is of great importance will be useful.

“The Microsoft for Start-ups Founders Hub is a useful platform to bring together start-ups and technology solution providers to support the national space technology ecosystem. We look forward to working together to help and support entrepreneurs to in turn benefit the Indian economy as a whole,” he said.

In addition to providing access to technology, Microsoft will provide mentoring support to space companies in areas such as space engineering, cloud technologies, product and design, fundraising, and sales and marketing.

In addition, founders have access to Microsoft Learn for customized start-up-centric training content and programs that help them connect with the industry and potential customers.

“Space technology start-ups in India are playing a significant role in advancing the country’s space capabilities with the power of technology. We’re excited to be working with ISRO to accelerate this transformation of what’s possible in space. Leveraging opportunities through our technology tools, platforms and mentorship, we are strongly committed to empowering space technology startups in the country to drive breakthrough innovation and accelerate scientific discovery,” said Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India.

Microsoft and ISRO will also jointly organize knowledge sharing and thought leadership sessions for the startups with space industry experts. In addition, the collaboration will support founders with go-to-market strategies, technical support and ways to sell their solutions through Microsoft channels and marketplaces, the press release states.