- She wins second prize at Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge 2025 for futuristic space communication project
- Mayank Golechha from BITS Pilani bags the first prize of ₹4 lakh for his MagnoSat project, and Arunteja Jarupula of IIT Kanpur taking third place with STELLAR
- As India opens its space sector to private participation and entrepreneurship, success stories like Bhoomi Raiyani’s serve as powerful motivation
NE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 1
In a proud moment for Gujarat and for Nirma University, 19-year-old Bhoomi Raiyani has bagged the second prize at the prestigious Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge 2025. Her pioneering project, Plasma Pathways, explored futuristic concepts of space communication and earned her a cash award of ₹2.5 lakh.
The challenge, organised by Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, is aimed at nurturing young minds in STEM and space innovation. This year’s competition saw participation from across India’s top universities, with Mayank Golechha from BITS Pilani winning the first prize of ₹4 lakh for his MagnoSat project, and Arunteja Jarupula of IIT Kanpur taking third place with STELLAR.
“Space—the final frontier is within our reach”
Congratulating the winners, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, in a video message, said: “You, the budding entrepreneurs with your wonderful ideas, are bringing space much closer to us—whether in agriculture, education or communication. May you lead India’s flag as we move towards becoming a developed nation.”
Nirma University pride
For Nirma University, Bhoomi’s achievement is a beacon of inspiration. Her project showcased how plasma technology could revolutionise space communication, highlighting India’s growing capability in advanced research.
“Bhoomi has demonstrated that students from Indian universities can stand shoulder to shoulder with the brightest minds globally,” said a senior faculty member. “Her success will surely inspire many more Nirma students to aim for careers in space research, astrophysics, and advanced communication systems.”
Boosting the student spirit
Industry leaders echoed that the competition reflects India’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Gautam Sharma, MD, Viasat India, said: “The passion and ingenuity displayed by India’s youth is phenomenal. With students like Bhoomi leading the way, the future of Indian space technology is in safe hands.”
The competition also featured keynote sessions and mentoring opportunities, encouraging students to explore careers in STEM and the space sector.
A call to young dreamers
The other 5 finalists, outside of the top three, including Abirami Vanniarajan from SASTRA, Priyam Ganguli from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Aditya Kumar from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Jagdish Nahak from Amity University, Aryan Shirke from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology will receive an invitation to participate in three additional Viasat mentor sessions (online) over six months, to provide expertise around career tracks and help the students understand career future in STEM and opportunities they can explore.
As India opens its space sector to private participation and entrepreneurship, success stories like Bhoomi Raiyani’s serve as powerful motivation. They remind students that space is no longer a distant dream but a real career pathway—where innovative ideas can make a global impact.
