Amity Foundation for Science Technology & Innovation Alliances (AFSTIA), Amity University Noida organized a Workshop on the “Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Programme” in collaboration with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, Department of Space (IN-SPACe), Govt. of India. The IN-SPACe PIE program is designed for aspiring space entrepreneurs and individuals with innovative ideas in the space sector who are seeking early-stage support and mentorship to develop their concepts into viable businesses. More than 1000 participants from Delhi/NCR Universities and institutions joined the workshop, including IIT Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi Technological University, and the National Institute of Technology, to name a few.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, averred “On November 20, 1967, India’s first Indigenous Sounding Rocket, Rohini-75 was launched which marked a new beginning for the Indian Space Industry. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Government initiated Space Sector reforms and formed an autonomous body, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, IN-SPACe on 24th June 2020, which enables private entities to carry out end-to-end space activities. The future of the Space industry includes Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in a big way and the emerging trends in Satellite Communication include Heavy GEO Satellite, Flexible Satellites, Advanced Mobile Satellites, and Quantum Communication amongst space tourism is a booming business prospect in times to come. According to the predictions of “Amrit Kaal”, human beings will live, work, and holiday in space and there are unlimited opportunities in Space Science & Technology Sector, which will pave the way for a developed country.”
Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, said, “The workshop serves as a one-stop solution for participants to explore the entire journey from ideation to commercialization in starting a start-up or pursuing entrepreneurship. Space Technology is an important sector for Viksit Bharat@ 2047 and Chandrayaan’s landing on the South Pole of the moon has proved India’s potential in the Space Sector. Amity always encourages its students to have their start-ups and this workshop will provide them the right opportunity to learn, ideate, innovate, and develop their prototype, therefore, they must listen carefully and absorb all the information provided to them today, during the workshop.”
The objective of the Program is to develop the interest of young entrepreneurs in the Space domain, identify and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, transform the idea into a prototype, and develop business skills. The Program has been divided into three stages- ideate, innovate, and demonstrate prototype, over twenty-one months and it would be beneficial for early-stage space startups looking to refine their business models and develop prototypes, individuals with space-related ideas who require guidance to transform their concepts, into entrepreneurial ventures and students and researchers with a passion for space technology and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Addressing the participants, Dr. W Selvamurthy, President, of Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation stated, “Space Science & Technology is a booming sector and is responsible for changing the S&T landscape of India. The workshop will provide detailed insights into the program and offer participants an understanding of the career opportunities presented by IN-SPACe. It serves as a one-stop solution for participants to explore the entire journey from ideation to commercialization in starting a start-up.”
On this occasion, details of the Online Application Process were also shared by Mr. Deepak Kumar Panda, Deputy Director, PR & Communication, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe. The Programme concluded with the participants sharing their views, followed by a Q&A session.