Microsoft and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Thursday signed an agreement to empower space-tech startups in India with technology tools, platforms, and mentoring to help them level up and be enterprise-ready.
The partnership will see ISRO-identified space-tech startups on-boarded to Microsoft's Founders Hub platform to receive free access to technical tools and resources.
In addition to access to technology, Microsoft will provide mentorship in areas such as space engineering, cloud technologies, product and design, fundraising, and sales and marketing.
“ISRO’s collaboration with Microsoft will greatly 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,” ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said.
The partnership is in line with the Indian government's endeavor to expand the country's space industry and increase its share in the global satellite launch market through the development of a national space policy.
The policy aims to encourage private sector participation in the space industry and establish a framework for the regulation and promotion of space activities in India.
On the same day, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called on Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi and praised the government's “deep focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth through digital transformation.”