Funding · AI & Deep Tech

Three startups get grants for satellite bus tech

By Startup Enthusiast · 11 February 2026

What they do

Astrome, Azista and Dhruva build modular satellite buses providing core subsystems like power, communication, thermal control, and navigation

IN-SPACe awarded ₹5 Cr each to these three firms via milestone-linked grants under the SBaaS initiative

This supports India's growing space sector which saw funding surge 94% in 2025 according to Inc42 data

IN-SPACe selected Astrome Technologies, Azista Industries and Dhruva Space to develop indigenous small satellite bus platforms.
The agency signed contract agreements with all three companies on February 11, 2026.
The selection followed a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process from a pool of 15 applicants.
Proposals were initially invited in April 2025 with the final selection announced nearly a year later.
Disbursement is structured as milestone-linked grants from IN-SPACe to ensure progress.
Selected firms will receive access to ISRO infrastructure, testing facilities and technical expertise.
Future phases aim to enable operational missions with hosted payload services on these platforms.

The initiative is called Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) focusing on robust and scalable designs.
A satellite bus provides essential subsystems like power, communication and thermal control for satellites under 500 kg.
This follows a previous August 2025 consortium collaboration involving Pixxel and SatSure Analytics.
The Finance Minister allocated ₹13,705.6 Cr for space technology in the Budget 2026-27.
The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund has operationalized ₹1,600 Cr with a first close of ₹1,005 Cr.

The selected startups are building indigenous small satellite bus platforms for commercial use.
These platforms provide critical functions including power generation, communication and navigation subsystems.
The focus is on creating modular and scalable architectures for satellites weighing less than 500 kg.
The goal is to establish a service model known as Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS).
Companies will utilize ISRO testing facilities and technical expertise during the development phase.
Future plans include enabling hosted payload services on these developed satellite platforms.
The program aims to foster a robust ecosystem for small satellite manufacturing in India.
Selection criteria emphasized the ability to deliver robust and reliable platform technologies.
The initiative supports the broader objective of indigenous space technology development.

Firms will work towards operational missions enabling hosted payload services.
Development continues through milestone-linked grant disbursements from IN-SPACe.
Access to ISRO infrastructure will aid further testing and refinement.

Product: based deeptech startup
Customers: Telecom service providers, satellite operators, wireless equipment makers, enterprises and defense customers.
How it makes money: It sells wireless communication and satellite communication products and related connectivity solutions to B2B customers.
What sets it apart: Its E-band radios and GigaMesh system are designed for faster, lower-cost deployment of high-speed connectivity.