Amazon Web Services, the cloud computing arm of e-commerce company Amazon on Wednesday announced that it has launched an accelerator programme for space startups called AWS Space Accelerator: India. The accelerator programme is launched with support from Hyderabad-based startup incubator T-Hub, and AWS partner and cloud solution firm Minfy following an MoU signed by AWS with Indian space agency ISRO and IN-SPACe in September last year to enable support for startups in space technology.
The 14-week accelerator programme will provide early-stage and mature space tech startups in India with resources, expertise, and guidance around technology and business capabilities, and help them leverage AWS to build, grow, and scale their missions, AWS said in a statement.
“Cloud computing is crucial to power the future of the space industry. It enables space-tech startups to harness high-performance computing resources to perform intensive data analysis, apply machine learning models, and innovate in their missions, while achieving lower cost of operations, faster time-to-market, and deployment at scale,” said Clint Crosier, Director, Aerospace and Satellite, AWS Inc.
Startups entering the programme will get access to up to $100,000 in AWS credits along with mentoring support from experts at ISRO, IN-SPACe, and AWS and business and technology support from T-Hub and Minfy. Selected startups will learn about space domain technologies and applications, and how to leverage space data and build scalable solutions using cloud computing, data analytics, and machine learning, including the potential to apply generative artificial intelligence (AI), said AWS.
As per an AWS report called Realizing a Cloud-enabled Economy: How Cloud Drives Economic and Societal Impact Through Small Businesses, cloud-enabled small businesses in India can help unlock Rs 1.1 trillion (Rs 1.10 lakh crore) in annual productivity benefits in agriculture, and one in nine farms will use precision agriculture solutions that enhance productivity by 2030, representing a 300 per cent increase compared to the current usage rate.
“This program is set to propel innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen the startup ecosystem in India. With T-Hub’s dedicated mentorship, hands-on technical support, and a vibrant alumni network, we are committed to helping startups reach new heights in the space sector,” said Mahankali Srinivas Rao, CEO, T-Hub.