Pixxel: Bengaluru space startup Pixxel wins defence ministry grant to build satellites for IAF | India News

BENGALURU: Bengaluru-based Space startup Pixxel on Tuesday said it has won a government grant to build multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force. The multi-crore rupees grant under the ministry of defence’s (MoD) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) will see Pixxel develop small satellites of up to 150kgs.

“We have won a multi-crore grant for DefSpace challenge under iDEX Prime (Space), to manufacture miniaturised multi-payload satellites for IAF. Received as a part of the SPARK grants by iDEX, this will equip Pixxel to develop satellites (of up to 150kg) for electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar and hyper spectral purposes,” the firm said in a statement.
The SPARK grants, offered to startups selected through MoD’s initiatives, are aimed at catalysing innovation enabling Indian entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions as well as propel deep-tech innovations in India. Pixxel emerged as the winner of the grant from amongst a host of companies.

Stating that it has already solidified its position as a leading innovator in the space tech sector, building and launching made-in-India and the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites, the firm said leveraging this indigenous technology and expertise that can enable ease of manufacture, low-cost and ease of launch, it will now manufacture small satellites for the defence sector.
Awais Ahmed, CEO, Pixxel, said he was delighted to receive the grant and utilise the firm’s expertise of building microsatellites in-house to manufacture satellites externally for the first time.
“This recognition highlights Pixxel’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and innovation. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and excited to embark on this next phase of collaboration with the Indian government,” Ahmed added.
Vivek Virmani, planning officer, department of defence production under MoD and the COO of iDEX iDEX, pointing to the evolution of startups in the Indian space industry, said Pixxel was a testament to the progress of private entities in this sector in such a short time.
“The grant is aimed at developing technologies addressing every stage of a space mission, right from mission planning and manufacturing to satellite data analytics and more. Our confidence in Pixxel’s satellite manufacturing capabilities showcases the power of partnerships in advancing the use of satellite technology for the country,” Virmani said.