- ₹5 Crore Support Per Institute
- 75% Funding for World-Class Space Labs
- Hands-On Training Meets Industry
- One Lab Per Zone Across India
- Fueling India’s Global Space Ambition
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD/BENGALURU, DEC 19
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited proposals from academic institutions across the country to establish ‘Antariksh Prayogshala’ (Space Labs)—a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at embedding state-of-the-art space laboratories within Indian campuses to nurture future-ready space professionals and strengthen the national space technology ecosystem.
Designed to bridge theory with practice, Antariksh Prayogshala will offer students hands-on exposure to cutting-edge space technologies and real-world applications. The initiative seeks to catalyse deep industry–academia collaboration, foster applied research, and align academic learning with the needs of India’s fast-expanding space sector—supporting the country’s long-term goal of becoming a leading global space economy.
Up to ₹5 Crore Support Per Institution
Under the scheme, up to seven academic institutions will be selected in a phased manner, ensuring balanced regional representation with one Space Lab proposed in each zone of the country. These facilities will also be made available to NGEs for utilisation within their respective zones. IN-SPACe will provide financial support of up to 75% of the total project cost, capped at ₹5 crore per institution, with funds released on a milestone-linked basis.
Transparent, Two-Stage Selection Process
The selection will follow a rigorous two-stage evaluation. Institutions will first be screened based on eligibility criteria detailed in the Request for Proposal (RfP). Shortlisted applicants will then be assessed and ranked by an Empowered Committee, with final selections made on a zone-wise basis.
From Classroom Knowledge to Deployable Capability
Highlighting the intent of the programme, Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, said, “Antariksh Prayogshala is designed to translate academic knowledge into deployable capability. By creating shared spaces for students, researchers, and industry, these labs will enable applied research, early-stage innovation, and skill development aligned with real industry needs. This is a practical step towards building depth, scale, and sustainability in India’s space ecosystem.”
Building India’s Space Workforce Pipeline
The initiative is expected to deliver structured practical training, stronger academia–industry engagement, and a robust pipeline of skilled professionals equipped to contribute to India’s growing private space sector and innovation-driven missions.
Detailed information on eligibility criteria, zonal distribution, and application timelines is available on the IN-SPACe website.
