Startups flock to ISRO
New Delhi, May 19 (India Science Wire): Over 55 startups have registered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, since the opening of India’s space sector to private sector about two years ago, under the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, informed this while chairing the 4th joint meeting of all the Science Ministries and departments.
He also informed that 75 students’ satellites are scheduled for launch this year to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav being celebrated to mark the 75th year of India’s Independence.
The Minister said the development is path-breaking. It was possible only because PM Modi has the courage and the conviction to take out-of-the-box decisions in the nation’s interest to break the obsolete taboos of the past, he noted.
Dr Jitendra Singh further informed that 29 proposals from the startups are satellite-related, 10 are for space applications and products, and eight each are related to launch vehicles and ground systems and research. Nine proposals are expected to be completed by 2022-23.
Secretary, Department of Space, S. Somnath gave details of the constellation of 75 student satellites and a satellite called Azadisat scheduled for launch this year.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that there would be priority implementation of S&T solutions to 204 odd problems received from 38 Line Ministries for scientific applications and technological solutions by all S&T departments.
Dr Jitendra Singh further informed that CSIR, with the help of the North Eastern Council (NEC) has identified 50 problems requiring S&T intervention in the North Eastern States, and the same has been shared with DST and is being shared with the Ministry of DONER. 5 out of 8 NE States have already initiated STI policy formulation. As far as STI Mapping of States and UTs is concerned, the Minister informed, that the exercise is over in all the 28 States and 6 UTs.
On the issue of the unified portal for fellowship and scholarship schemes, the Minister was informed that a preliminary meeting of members of the Working Group from DST and DBT was held on April 4, and the mapping of scholarship/fellowship schemes under the Ministry of Science & Technology has been initiated.
Dr Jitendra Singh proposed a Science Media Centre, which will function as an inter-ministerial integrated media Cell for all S&T departments and Vigyan Prasar will be merged into it. He asked the departments to showcase their success stories and start-ups and promote them wherever possible. He also directed that workshop on success stories be organized at regular intervals.
The Minister reviewed the draft agenda for the State S&T Ministers Conference to be held soon, and venues like Srinagar, Shimla, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad were discussed for the first such national science conclave. The Minister suggested that the Conclave could include thematic and state-specific discussions involving states, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Secretary, D/o Space, Secretary, M/o Earth Sciences, Secretary, D/o Biotechnology, Secretary, Technology Development Board, and representatives and senior officials of other science departments.