New Delhi: Space promoter and regulator IN-SPACe on Wednesday announced a Rs 6-crore artificial intelligence seed fund scheme to provide funding to startups or people interested in developing artificial intelligence applications in the space sector.The seed funding program aims to accelerate AI-driven innovation in India’s private space ecosystem through targeted financial and institutional support. The announcement was made by Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Bureau, National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, India, while speaking at a dedicated session titled ‘Beyond Earth: How Artificial Intelligence can drive the next era of space exploration’ at the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit in Delhi.conversation partner toy Kumar said on the sidelines of the event, “Today, AI applications are being used on the ground and in orbit in the space sector. Artificial intelligence has now penetrated every part of the space sector. Keeping this in mind, we are announcing this new seed fund for any applicant who can replace any conventional method in the space sector with an AI application. We will invite applications from such startups, companies and even individuals and shortlist these five entities and provide them with funding of Rs 1 crore each for such AI applications. Therefore, a total amount of Rs 6 crore has been announced.”When asked if the funding amount will be increased, the director said, “Rs 6 crore is the initial seed fund. Rs 1 crore is enough for the application part. When the idea of ​​any company is formed, we have a technology adoption fund for that purpose and we will provide Rs 35 crore to the company. There is even a venture capital fund of up to Rs 60 crore for such companies.” The last date to receive applications is March 20.On how prevalent AI is in Isro’s day-to-day work, Director INSPACe said, “AI is used for data analysis like hazard detection, AI is used to process data from satellites, and even the human robot ‘Vyommitra’ developed for the Gaganyaan mission is using AI. Even in ground testing of satellites, we are using AI. For example, to check for any cracks in thousands of solar cells, we are using AI.” Artificial intelligence has entered our systems.“He also revealed that “a fully autonomous and advanced version of Vyommitra based on artificial intelligence will be used in the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh station in 2035”.Regarding how INSPACe helps start-ups, the person in charge said, “Currently, there are 390 aerospace start-ups. We have received more than 850 applications from start-ups from all aspects of the aerospace field and they are seeking our help. We have designed 12 courses in the aerospace field.” Furthermore, more than 58 universities have added space applications to their curricula. Many private companies have built their own space facilities. But if the company cannot set it up on its own, INSPACe or Isro will help or guide them.““Space and artificial intelligence are both emerging 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,” the director said. “We are eager to see how non-governmental entities can leverage this opportunity to develop solutions that serve national priorities over the long term.”
