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UPSC SPACETECH INNOVATION NETWORK: ISRO - English

SPACETECH INNOVATION NETWORK: ISRO

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed an MoU with Social Alpha, a multistage innovation curation and venture development platform to launch SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN).

• SpIN is India’s first dedicated platform for innovation, curation, and venture development for the burgeoning space entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• The SPIN platform would create a level playing field for various stakeholders to collaborate and contribute to the space ecosystem in the country.

SpIN will primarily focus on facilitating space tech entrepreneurs in three distinct innovation categories:

• Geospatial Technologies and Downstream Applications
• Enabling Technologies for Space & Mobility
• Aerospace Materials, Sensors, and Avionics.

Significance: Innovative technologies are expected to bring a paradigm shift in utilising the space applications to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits for the larger society.

Innovation Challenge: SpIN has launched its first innovation challenge for developing solutions in areas of maritime and land transportation, urbanization, mapping, and surveying. The selected start-ups and innovators will be able to access both Social Alpha’s and ISRO’s infrastructure and resources as per the prevailing guidelines. They will be provided active hand-holding in critical areas, including access to product design, testing and validation infrastructure, and intellectual property management.

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