Indian Space Research Organisation, Microsoft ink pact to aid space-tech startups

BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation and Microsoft on Thursday signed an MoU to help space-tech startups and, in turn, boost the growth of space technology in the country.

"The MoU seeks to empower space-tech startups across the country with technology tools and platforms, go-to market support and mentoring to help them scale and become enterprise-ready..." read a statement issued by Microsoft in Bengaluru.

Through this tie-up, space tech startups identified by Isro will be on-boarded on to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub platform that supports startups at every stage - from idea to unicorn. Microsoft said through its platform, space-tech startup founders in India will have free access to tech tools and resources they need to build and run their business.

Isro chairman S Somanath was quoted as having said: "The collaboration will benefit space-tech startups in their analysis and processing of vast amounts of satellite data for various applications, using cutting-edge methods like AI, machine learning and deep learning."

Microsoft India president Anant Maheshwari said: "Through our technology tools, platforms and mentorship opportunities, we are committed to empowering space-tech startups to drive cutting-edge innovation and accelerate scientific discovery." tnn