Karnataka Govt. inaugurates state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru

To strengthen India’s rapidly growing space economy, Government of Karnataka has come up with the country’s first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology, established by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society in collaboration with SIA (Satcom Industry Association India) -India.

The facility was inaugurated by Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, in the presence of senior officials and industry leaders.

The initiative will enhance India’s ability to convert space innovation into scalable commercial opportunities.   

At the launch, Kharge said that Karnataka has consistently led India’s technology and innovation journey, and that the new Centre extends this leadership into one of the country’s most strategic future-facing sectors.

“Our focus is not just on advancing research, but on creating an ecosystem where innovation can translate into real-world applications, economic growth, and high-quality jobs. This Centre will play a critical role in positioning Karnataka as a key driver of India’s space economy,” he said.

According to an official statement, the CoE SpaceTech Foundation has been established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society and Satcom Industry Association India to promote research and innovation in space technologies, industry-focused skill development, startup incubation, and cross-sector applications.

The Centre has also formalised strategic MoUs with multiple industry and academic partners to support research in space biotech and microgravity, enable collaboration, build talent pipelines, and provide startups with training and market access, it added.