The MoU aims to provide technology tools and platforms, go-to-market support, and mentoring to space tech start-ups across the nation in order to help them scale and become enterprise-ready.
Bengaluru: Microsoft and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to support the development of space technology start-ups in India.
The MoU aims to provide technology tools and platforms, go-to-market support, and mentoring to space tech start-ups across the nation in order to help them scale and become enterprise-ready.
This partnership was announced while Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was in town for the Microsoft Future Ready Technology Summit.
According to an announcement from Microsoft, the partnership aims to support ISRO’s ambition of leveraging the market potential of India’s most innovative and successful space tech companies.
The space tech start-ups recognized by ISRO will be included in the “Microsoft for Start-ups Founders Hub platform” through this partnership, which supports start-ups from the idea to the unicorn stage, according to the statement.
The press release noted that through the hub, space-tech start-up founders in India will have free access to the technological resources and tools they need to build and operate their businesses. This includes technical support to build on Azure, best-in-class developer and productivity tools like GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and Microsoft 365, as well as access to smart analytics with Power BI and Dynamics 365.
According to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, the partnership between the space agency and Microsoft would be extremely helpful to emerge space technology companies as they analyze and handle massive amounts of satellite data for a variety of purposes.
“The Microsoft for Start-ups Founders Hub is an effective venue for connecting startups and suppliers of technological solutions to help the domestic space technology ecosystem. We are happy to collaborate in order to help and encourage entrepreneurs as well, which will ultimately help the Indian economy as a whole, he said.
Beyond access to technology, Microsoft will provide mentoring support to space tech entrepreneurs in areas ranging from space engineering to cloud technologies, product, and design, fund-raising, and sales and marketing.
In addition, founders will have access to Microsoft Learn for tailored start-up-centric training content and programs to help them build connections with the industry and potential customers.
“Space tech start-ups in India are playing a significant role in advancing the country’s space capabilities with the power of technology. We are pleased to collaborate with ISRO to accelerate this transformation of what’s possible in space. Through our technology tools, platforms, and mentorship opportunities, we are deeply committed to empowering space tech start-ups in the country to drive cutting-edge innovation and accelerate scientific discovery,” Microsoft India President Anant Maheshwari said.
Additionally, Microsoft and ISRO will work together to plan thought leadership and knowledge-sharing events for start-ups with professionals in the space business. The alliance will also provide founders with marketing plans, technical assistance, and chances to market and sell their products through Microsoft channels and the marketplace, according to the press announcement.
