New Delhi: Space promoter and regulator IN-SPACe on Wednesday announced an AI-inspired seed fund plan of Rs 6,000 crore aimed at startups and people interested in developing AI applications in the space sector.The Seed Fund initiative aims to accelerate AI-driven innovation across India’s civil space ecosystem through targeted financial and institutional support. Vinod Kumar, Director, Advancement Directorate, National Space Promotion and Licensing Center, India, made the announcement during a specialized session titled ‘Beyond Earth: How AI is impacting the next era of space exploration’ at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi.talk to Toi Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Kumar said, “Currently, AI applications are used on the ground and in orbit in the space sector. AI is now present in every part of the space sector. Keeping this in mind, traditional methods in the space sector can be replaced by AI applications. We have announced a new seed fund for all applicants. We will invite applications from such startups, companies and even individuals and shortlist five such entities and provide grants of Rs 100 crore each for such AI.” Accordingly, applications totaling Rs 6,000 crore have been announced. ”To a question whether the subsidy amount will be increased, the director said, “Rs 6 billion is the initial seed funding. Rs 10 billion is enough for the application part. Once the idea of a company is built, there will be a technology implementation fund for that purpose, where Rs 35 billion will be provided to the companies. Venture capital funding of up to Rs 60 billion will also be available for such companies.” The last day to accept applications is March 20th.Regarding the extent to which AI is pervasive in Isro’s daily work, the INSPACe director said, “AI is used for data analysis such as danger detection, AI is also used to process data from satellites, and AI is also used in the human robot ‘Vyomitra’ developed for the Gaganyaan mission. AI is also used in ground tests of satellites. For example, AI is used to check whether there are cracks in thousands of solar cells.” AI has entered our systems.”He also revealed that “an advanced version of Vyomitra, fully autonomous and based on AI, will be used at the Bharatiya Antariksh base, which is expected to be completed by 2035.”Commenting on how INSPACe supports startups, the director said, “Currently, there are 390 space startups. We have received over 850 applications from startups seeking our support in various aspects of the space sector. There are 12 courses that we have designed in the space sector. 12 courses are available in the space sector.” Additionally, more than 58 universities have added space applications to their curricula. Many private companies are establishing their own space facilities. However, if a company is unable to set it up on its own, INSPACe or Isro can provide assistance or work together.”“Space and AI are both fast-growing fields, and their convergence has strong potential to transform the way we explore and operate in complex and remote environments through autonomous and intelligent decision-making. We are looking at how non-governmental organizations can use this opportunity to develop solutions that serve national priorities in the long term.”
