Inventions, Innovations – Karnataka First

Karnataka’s Bhoomi project, a governance success

The project offers lessons for other States rushing to digitise land records.

For decades, access to land records was one of rural India’s most persistent governance failures. Karnataka’s Bhoomi project, now completing 25 years, offers an instructive counterpoint showing how administrative reform can reshape the relationship between governance and the people.

Until the late 1990s, land administration in Karnataka relied almost entirely on handwritten records maintained by village accountants. Farmers seeking a Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops (RTC) often had to repeatedly visit revenue offices, navigate complex procedures, and rely on intermediaries. Errors in records were common, and corrections took months. In an agrarian State where land disputes routinely spilt into civil courts, the costs of administrative inefficiency were borne disproportionately by small and marginal farmers.

Launched in 2000, Bhoomi was a bold departure from this legacy. Its immediate goal was simple: computerise land records and make them accessible. Its greater ambition was to replace discretion with rules, delay with timelines, and opacity with transparency. The legal recognition of computerised RTCs and the abolition of handwritten records marked a historic shift. Over the last 25 years, more than 39.8 crore RTCs have been issued, fundamentally altering how land records are accessed across the State.

Many revenue officials were initially hesitant to abandon familiar manual systems. Karnataka responded with large-scale capacity building, training nearly 9,000 village accountants, 8,000 revenue inspectors, and 1,000 computer operators. The establishment of 204 Bhoomi Kendras at the taluk level enabled the digitisation of nearly 2.5 crore land records covering about 3.5 crore farmers. What followed was not merely digitisation, but a cultural shift within the administration.

Initially, the Bhoomi project in Karnataka began as a modest effort to computerise only manual RTCs. But today, it functions as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that integrates land and revenue administration with multiple welfare services. The integration of Bhoomi with the Kaveri registration system changed the face of land registration in Karnataka. By linking registration with land records, the State sharply reduced fraudulent transactions and eliminated middlemen. Mutation, once a source of endless delay, became automatic and transparent. Survey and boundary disputes, another chronic problem, were addressed through the introduction of the Mojini (Survey) software in 2007. For the first time, land measurement and survey processes were brought under a digital, time-bound framework. The 11E Sketch, a pre-conversion map introduced by Karnataka, further improved accuracy in land boundaries and area measurement. The result has been a visible reduction in land-related disputes.

Bhoomi’s evolution also reflects Karnataka’s broader approach to governance: using administrative reform to strengthen welfare delivery. Since 2016, crop compensation has been credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts, bypassing intermediaries. During the 2018 loan waiver programme, Bhoomi data enabled the waiver of loans for nearly 20 lakh farmers. The integration with PM-Kisan, the Agriculture Department’s FRUITS platform, and Aadhaar seeding of over 2.17 crore farmer accounts has improved targeting and reduced leakages. By ensuring accurate and up-to-date records, Bhoomi has helped convert entitlement on paper into benefits on the ground.

Perhaps Bhoomi’s most significant achievement is not technological but experiential. Farmers no longer have to travel from village to taluk and taluk to district offices for routine services. The scope for discretionary abuse has narrowed. The relationship between citizens and the revenue administration has become more predictable. In a State where land remains emotionally and economically central, this shift has strengthened trust in public institutions.

As Karnataka reflects on Bhoomi at 25, the project offers lessons for other States rushing to digitise land records. Technology alone does not deliver reform. Bhoomi worked because it was embedded in administrative restructuring, legal change, and continuous institutional learning. It shows that digital governance succeeds when it is incremental, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.

Dr. Kumara IAS is Deputy Commissioner, Mandya District

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IISc Bengaluru develops nanozymes to prevent excess clotting

The team synthesised redox active nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes and morphologies through a series of controlled chemical reactions starting from small building blocks.

A team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed a new method which will help control abnormal blood clotting conditions, including Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE).

The team from Department of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry have developed an artificial metal-based nanosyme that mimics the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes which help in clotting blood.

The research paper — Vanadia Nanozymes Inhibit Platelet Aggregation, Modulate Signaling Pathways and Prevent Pulmonary Embolism in Mice — published on May 11 was made public on Tuesday.

It explained that under normal circumstances, when a blood vessel is injured, specialised blood cells called platelets get activated and cluster together around the vessel to form protective blood clots. This process is known as blood clotting cascade (haemostasis). But when this does not happen in conditions like PTE or diseases like Covid-19, the oxidative stress and levels of toxic Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) increases, leading to over-activation of platelets. This triggers the formation of excess clots in the blood vessel, contributing to thrombosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

The nanomaterials developed by the researchers mimic the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes and they control the ROS levels, thereby preventing the over-activation of platelets that leads to excess clot formation or thrombosis, the report stated.

The team synthesised redox active nanomaterials of different sizes, shapes and morphologies through a series of controlled chemical reactions starting from small building blocks. They then isolated platelets from human blood, activated them using physiological agonists, and tested how effectively the different nanozymes could prevent excess platelet aggregation, the researchers explained in the report.

Sherin GR, PhD student and co-author of the paper said, they found spherical-shaped vanadium pentoxide nanozymes were the most efficient. These material mimic a natural antioxidant enzyme called glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative stress.

“The unique chemistry of the vanadium metal is crucial because the redox reactions that reduce ROS levels are happening on the surface of the vanadium nanomaterial,” added G Mugesh, Professor, and co-author of the paper.

The team injected the nanozyme in a mouse model of PTE and found that it significantly reduced thrombosis and increased the animals’ survival rates. They also observed the weight, behaviour, and blood parameters of the animal for up to five days after injecting the nanozyme, and did not find any toxic effects, the report added.

Anti-platelet drugs that target thrombosis sometimes have side effects such as increased bleeding. “Unlike conventional anti-platelet drugs that interfere with physiological haemostasis, the nanozymes modulate the redox signalling and do not interfere with normal blood clotting. This means that they won’t cause bleeding complications that are a major concern with current therapies,” said Bidare N Sharath Babu, PhD student and another co-author.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Three Bengaluru-based institutions among winners of C-CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25

C-CAMP received about 200 applications from innovators and start-ups across India for funding and ecosystem support to enable scale up, production, adoption and societal integration of winning solutions to tackle AMR in the environment.

Three Bengaluru-based institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), are among the winners of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) Challenge 2024-25.

C-CAMP said that the national AMR Challenge was launched in August 2024. They received about 200 applications from innovators and start-ups across India for funding and ecosystem support to enable scale up, production, adoption and societal integration of winning solutions to tackle AMR in the environment.

The nine winners

Of them, nine were declared winners of the C-CAMP AMR Challenge 2024-25.

The winners are:

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for tackling AMR emergence through effluent treatment using robust catalytic enzyme mimetics. The MONZymes based technology, as developed by Dr. Subinoy Rana and his team, is capable of effectively degrading residual antibiotics from effluent wastewater and also exhibit antibacterial activity, through advanced (photo)catalytic activity.
Foundation for Neglected Diseases Research (FNDR) for developing a device to deplete antimicrobial residues from wastewater, using a cartridge-based device with a patented mixture of activated charcoal and plant-based materials.
Biomoneta Research Private Limited: qAMI (Quantitative Airborne Microbial Index) for coming up with a singular technology combining detection of air-borne total microbial load and pathogenic microbes in hospital set-ups, using AI/ML platform and encompassing different microbial attributes, combined with the classic microbiological approach.
D-NOME Private Limited for its D-NOME’s pocket PCR device, which can help in rapid and accurate on-field detection and identification of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) & Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in aquaculture farms and other wastewater sources.
Vividew Innovations Private Limited for its novel innovation to remove residual antibiotics & antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater in hospital sewage treatment plants (STPs).
Diagopreutic Private Limited for its detection of residual antibiotic and pathogen identification in water samples from aquaculture farm effluents, using a colorimetric method, based on the differential nitro-reductase activity of the bacteria and their ability to grow in presence of the specific antibiotic.
Mylab Discovery Solutions Private Limited for its rapid detection of pathogens from wastewater samples, and detection of environment-related ARGs. The technology involves an in-house developed nucleic acid extraction kit and an advance multiplexed quantitative RT-PCR technology, capable of identifying a diverse array of pathogens as well as an extensive spectrum of ARGs.
Huwel Life Sciences Private Limited: Quantiplus® Environmental Surveillance Kit for Real-Time PCR detection for typhoid and ARGs in environmental samples. The RT-PCR kit detects a wide spectrum of ARGs, as well as the typhoid specific gene along with its resistance genes.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeeth for the development of affordable POT (Point of Testing) device for monitoring of AMR in the environment, by an impedance-based microfluidic device, using a lytic phage-based detection technology. The innovation, as proposed by Dr. Bipin Nair and his team, is capable of detecting and identifying various pathogens of clinical relevance and can be used for rapid and accurate detection of specific bacteria.

Nature of support

The winners will be supported by C-CAMP in India in collaboration with the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global AMR Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) to foster the identification and development of world-class AMR-focused innovative solutions to tackle various aspects of AMR in the environment in India, and for the benefit of low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

“Antimicrobial resistance in the environment is a serious issue because of unchecked effluents from agriculture and industry reaching our water bodies, air and land. The problem has assumed alarming proportions across the entire world. I am heartened to see that innovators and scientists in India are developing cutting-edge innovations that hold promise not only in India and LMICs, but for the world,” said Prof. Ajay K. Sood, principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Machines to separate nuts from cashew fruits developed in Puttur

For the first time in the country, three types of machines that can separate seeds from Garcinia fruits have been successfully developed.

Under the leadership of the Cashew Research Directorate in Puttur, seed separation machines have been designed and inaugurated. These machines are expected to reach farmers in the coming days. They include a fully automatic machine, a semi-automatic machine, and a pedal-operated version.

Manually extracting seeds from cashew fruits is a tedious process that requires considerable human effort and time. The machines were jointly developed by the Cashew Research Directorate, Puttur, and the Regional Research Centre of the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, located in Coimbatore. Dr Manjunath, a scientist at the Puttur centre, led the project. Dr Ravindra Nayak from the Coimbatore centre, along with Dr Balasubramanian and director Dr Dinkar Adiga from the Agricultural Engineering Division of the directorate, also contributed as co-researchers.

“These machines are highly effective in reducing labour, time, and cost. There is also a growing demand for compact machines suited to small-scale farmers, and we are actively considering this,” said Dr Manjunath.

“There is great potential for cashew cultivation in India. In line with that, crop variety development has been undertaken. With these machines, we aim to bring a modern technological touch to cashew farming,” said Dr Dinkar Adiga.

Made entirely of stainless steel, this machine separates seeds, pulp, and juice distinctly. It has the capacity to process 300 kg of fruit per hour. It requires 0.75 litres of petrol per hour and can also operate on electricity. Priced at Rs 1.95 lac, the machine has been commercialized by the directorate, and the production rights have been granted to Fission Agritech Pvt Ltd, based in Ramanagara, which will distribute the machines to customers.

This machine features four top openings with rotating blades inside. It operates on electricity or battery power. When the fruit is fed into the machine, the seeds are separated by the rotation. The intact seeds fall inside and are collected at a separate outlet. It is suitable for separating seeds of all sizes. Two people can work on the machine simultaneously by sitting on opposite sides. It can process 35 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 35,000.

This version features a sharp blade-like design. The portion of the fruit containing the seed is placed on the blade, and pressing the pedal cuts and separates the seed. The blade then returns to its original position. The fruit remains in hand, and one person can process the fruits using both hands. This machine can separate 15 kg of seeds per hour and is priced at Rs 15,000.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

Mysuru’s Tejaswani, Class 9 student’s tech-driven ‘monkey repellent’ grabs eyeballs at hackathon

Tejaswini, a Class 9 student from Morarji Desai Residential School in Mysuru, is making waves at a hackathon with her innovative solution to tackle a common yet persistent problem — monkeys invading hostels and homes to steal food and clothes. Together with her five-member team, Tejaswini has developed a prototype that uses technology to drive away monkeys humanely.

Their project is one of 11 creative solutions being showcased at Hack to the Future 2025, organised by Quest Alliance from January 27 to 31 in the city.

The solution features a 360-degree camera to detect monkey activity, triggering an ultrasonic sound at 35 to 40 kHz frequencies. Inaudible to humans but irritating to monkeys, this sound deters them without causing harm. Powered by electricity and components like Raspberry Pi, the system was developed with the guidance of mentors during the event.

“This project is not just about protecting our belongings but also ensuring the monkeys are unharmed. We’re still fine-tuning the system and haven’t tested it yet, but we’re hopeful about its impact,” she said.

The hackathon has provided Tejaswini’s team with the tools and knowledge to refine their prototype, with mentors offering hands-on training and materials.

For mentor Roshan Ara Begum, the event has been transformative for the students. “Hackathons like these are golden opportunities for students to gain exposure to technology and build confidence,” she said.

Tejaswini and her team are among 57 students from five states participating in the event. The hackathon will culminate in a Shark Tank-style presentation before a jury, where students will pitch their solutions.

Beyond the event, participants are encouraged to apply their learnings to real-life challenges and explore government schemes to scale their projects.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IISc alumni association remembers Ratan Tata, presents Entrepreneur Award to Kavyashree Manjunath Ph.D for her Research on Drug Delivery & Immunogen Development

During the first part of the programme, the association remembered Ratan Tata and his contribution to IISc.

S Mohan, Professor Emiritus (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, IISc) and M R Chandrashekar, ex-security officer, IISc, paid respects to Tata, while members of the executive committee and the audience paid homage.

At a programme hosted on Saturday, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) alumni association commemorated the birth anniversary of Ratan Tata and presented a young entrepreneur award.

The ‘Smt Shuba & Prof Dwarakadasa Young Entrepreneur Award’ was presented to researcher Kavyashree Manjunath, PhD, by Prof Eswarahalli Dwarakadasa. Kavyashree was recognised for her work in the field of drug discovery and immunogen development.

According to the association, during her nine years of academic research, Kavyashree has solved and deposited 20 protein structures in the Protein Data Bank and co-authored 13 research articles, two review articles and a book chapter.

It further said that Kavyashree transformed her expertise as a scientist to address “one of the most challenging but often ignored areas, the plastic pollution.”

“On the scientific side, I am sure the best work has been done,” Prof Dwarakadasa said. “However, if there is no audit of the material – how much is produced, how much is distributed and how is gotten back – any amount of scientific work is useless.”

During the first part of the programme, the association remembered Ratan Tata and his contribution to IISc. S Mohan, Professor Emiritus (Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, IISc) and M R Chandrashekar, ex-security officer, IISc, paid respects to Tata, while members of the executive committee and the audience paid homage.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

Priyank Kharge highlights growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration

IT/BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the growing Indo-Swiss Biotech Collaboration as Anabio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering force in femtech innovation has acquired the Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), a Zurich-based leader in microbial research and diagnostics.

The event was attended by Priyank Kharge, who lauded the acquisition as a reflection of Karnataka’s burgeoning biotech ecosystem.

Other key leaders from both India and Switzerland including Mr. Jonas Brunschwig, CEO and Consul General of Swissnex, Mithun Shah, CEO of Anabio Technologies, Prof Dr Hendrik Tevaearai, Chairman of the Board, MIS were also present at the event.

The minister, in his address, said “This acquisition is a testament to Karnataka’s thriving biotech ecosystem.

With initiatives like Elevate, Unnati, and world-class infrastructure such as the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC), Karnataka is proud to provide a conducive environment for innovation.

“We are committed to supporting companies like Anabio Technologies, who are taking India’s biotech prowess to the global stage,” He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between India and Switzerland in advancing biotech research and addressing global challenges,” Kharge said.

The event also marked the launch of a refreshed MIS brand identity, including a new logo and website.

The acquisition is a significant milestone in strengthening the Indo-Swiss partnership in biotechnology, fostering greater collaboration between India and Switzerland in microbial diagnostics, microbiome research, and sustainable innovation.

It will allow Anabio Technologies to enhance its capabilities in areas such as entomology, microbiome research, and environmental sustainability.

With a renewed brand identity, MIS is now poised to scale its operations globally while continuing to drive innovation in microbial diagnostics.
This landmark acquisition signals a new era of collaboration between India and Switzerland, positioning both countries as key players in the global biotech landscape.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: INDIA’S FIRST / MANUFACTURING: India’s first indigenous bullet train set to roll by 2026. BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission by 2026

BEML has been contracted to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenous bullet trains, each with eight cars. The trains will offer modern amenities as part of India’s high-speed rail initiative and are set to roll out by late 2026.

India is advancing its high-speed rail ambitions by developing indigenously built bullet trains. The first bullet train is expected to be manufactured in Bengaluru, featuring a design speed of 280 kilometers per hour (kmph) and an operational speed of 250 kmph. This train is slated for rollout by December 2026.

State-owned BEML has secured a contract worth Rs 866.87 crore to design, manufacture, and commission India’s first indigenously built bullet trains. BEML announced it will supply two high-speed trainsets, each comprising eight coaches, under an order placed by Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory (ICF).

BEML stated that each coach would cost Rs 27.86 crore, with the total contract value also covering design costs, one-time development expenses, non-recurring charges, and the costs of jigs, fixtures, tooling, and testing facilities.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

While Indian Railways initially considered Japanese technology for bullet trains on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, discussions remain inconclusive.

As a result, India may now deploy locally developed trains for this corridor. Notably, BEML’s cost per coach is significantly lower than the Rs 46 crore quoted by Japan for similar bullet train coaches.

BEML highlighted that the infrastructure from this project will be leveraged for future high-speed rail projects across India.

The project, a major milestone in India’s high-speed rail initiative, will deliver trainsets with a 280 km/h test speed.

In comparison, the Japanese Shinkansen E5 series, initially considered for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad line, can achieve speeds of 320 km/h.

The trains will be produced at BEML’s Bengaluru facility and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

They will feature fully air-conditioned Chair Car configurations with modern amenities, including reclining and rotatable seats, accommodations for passengers with restricted mobility, and onboard infotainment systems.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: AIR : India’s First Radio Station, the Akashvani Mysore Station is 90

Akashvani Mysore Station is celebrating its 90th anniversary, turning a new page in its several decades long history, continuing to serve a stream of connoisseurs, who still long to hear the mellifluous voice broadcast on the radio (Air Mysuru 100.6 FM).

For the uninformed, it was Akashvani Mysore Station that gave the name ‘Akashvani’ to All India Radio (AIR), the broadcasting facility of the country. Even amid the changing scenario, marked by key challenges with the advent of commercialisation, globalisation and multimedia, Akashvani has etched a firm place in the heart of the listeners.

With a variety of programmes entertaining the young and old alike, not ignoring its commitment to the society, Akashvani has been catering to the legion of listeners, moving ahead with a confidence of remaining the popular broadcasting media.

Genesis of Radio Station

To trace its origin, M.V. Gopalaswamy, a Professor of Psychology in Maharaja’s College here, started the Radio Station at his home in Yadavagiri, in the city on Sept. 10, 1935. Notably, it was the country’s first Radio Station, which began with the airing of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s poetry. A vocal concert by renowned composer Mysore Vasudevacharya, a direct disciple of Saint Thyagaraja, was the first music programme to be broadcast on this Radio Station.

The Radio Station was later shifted to the present building of Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMC&RI) on Irwin Road in the city. It was later handed over to Mysore Municipality (which later became Mysuru City Corporation) and was subsequently managed by the princely Mysore State headed by the Maharaja.

Wave of novelty

In the later years, N. Kasturi, as the first Assistant Director of the Station, took the Station to new heights, making it a talk of the town with its innovative programmes. The Central Government took over Akashvani in the later years and Prof. B.N. Murthy, as the Station Head, gave a touch of creativity, while his successor Dr. M.M. Natesh infused novelty to the events.

After the formation of Karnataka State, the Radio Station was shifted to Bengaluru on Nov. 2, 1955, before relocating to Mysuru on Nov. 14, 1974.

Several programmes aired on Akashvani Mysuru, were the result of successful experiments and have bagged several national awards. It has succeeded in maintaining its own distinct quality, amid the growing influence of mass media, with the motto Bahujana Hitaaya, Bahujana Sukhaya. Be it literature, music, plays, education, health, cinema, sports, agriculture and several other programmes, Akashvani has been endearing the listeners.

Programme list

The programmes like Coffee Thindi, Belli Beragu, Veeneya Bedagu Nadada Sobagu, Arivina Shikhara, Laya Sambhrama, Haadu Helida Kathe, Thorana Horana, Kannada Bharati, Doctor Samaya, Mahila Ranga, Yuva Ranga, Bala Jagat, Rasaprashne, Ranga Banuli, Chilipili, Chatpat Churumuri, Udyoga Varthe, Krishi Ranga, Mahila Ranga, Kelugara Korike – Nimma Mechchina Chitrageethegalu, Natakagalu, Chalanachitra Dhwani Vahini, Mishra Madhurya, Game Show, Katheyallide Uththara, Kelugarondige Anisike, Kaadina Rochaka Kathegalu, Sangeetha Sambhrama, Trin Trin Cycle Savari, Maathina Lahari, Nammoora Hesaru, Kadambari Vichara, Heegide Nam Jodi, Haadiyalli Kanda Mukha, Keli Giligale, Makkala Mantapa, Nenapinangala Sandhya Raga, Vaidyarondige Bheti (health programme), direct Phone-in and Varthegalu (news), command dedicated listeners, along with cricket and Dasara commentaries.

Besides, by producing quality programmes, Akashvani is striving for the welfare of the society too.

A household brand

Like the eponymous brands of Mysore like Mysore Dasara, Mysore Mallige, Mysore Sandalwood, Mysore Pak and Mysore Silk, Mysore Akashvani is also a household brand. It has been functioning out from the heritage building in Yadavagiri on KRS Road in the city, broadcasting a variety of non-stop programmes from 5.55 am to 11 pm.

Meaningful 90^th anniversary celebrations

The 90th anniversary of Akashvani Mysore Station was meaningfully celebrated on Sept. 10, with Pavithra, the great granddaughter of Akashvani Founder M.V. Gopalaswamy and Rajaram, the grandson of N. Kasturi, planting the sapling to mark the milestone in the history of the Radio Station, at its premises in Yadavagiri.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Director of Akashvani Mysore, S.S. Umesh, recalled the history of the Station, saying that it was on Sept. 10, 1935 that the Station made its start and was later managed by Mysore Kingdom and was subsequently taken over by the Central Government. The Station has provided a platform for various litterateurs including Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, by airing a series of programmes. The programmes have still retained their popularity.

Assistant Director Abdul Rasheed, T.B. Vidyashankar, Programme Executive B. Shanthakumar and others were present.

As part of 90th anniversary, day-long special programmes were aired on Akashvani Mysore.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPACE: ‘Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024)’ Concludes on a High Note – September 18-20, 2024

It was three days of treat for the afficiandos of space technology as the eighth edition of three-day Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024) was held from September 18 to September 20.

What is of significance is that with the push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has privatised space launches and is targeting a fivefold increase in its share of the global launch market, which some expect to be worth $47.3 billion by 2032. This increased private sector participation would help to generate employment, enable modern technology absorption and make the sector self-reliant. It is expected to integrate Indian companies into global value chains. With this, companies will be able to set-up their manufacturing facilities within the country duly encouraging ‘Make In India (MII)’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the Government.

In this background, the BSX 2024 which was held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) gave visitors an opportunity to see cutting-edge innovations, exciting space technologies and future of India’s space.

Nothing could be more apt than what Dr S. Somanath, Secretary of Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission said, “Times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment. The best devices and the best rockets in India.”

With over 100,000 visitors attending the three-day BSX 2024, the event saw participation by over 250 delegates, space companies from over 250 and pavilions of over ten countries, shows the interest in space technology and increased private funding, technological advancements, and public sector interest. There’s a renewed push to explore beyond. Declining launch costs and rising public interest are propelling this industry to new heights, offering a galaxy of opportunities for investors.

India’s space sector has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. India’s advances in space programs have been highly remarkable, with vigorous and determined efforts by ISRO. Taking the vision of the Government of India in enhancing private sector participation in the space sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been organising the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 (BSX), a Biennial International Exhibition and Conference since 2008.

From the humble beginnings of transporting rocket parts on bullock carts to the proud achievement of launching a record number of satellites in a single mission, India has proven itself as a trailblazer in space exploration. Until recently, India’s space sector could broadly but in no way exclusively be divided into two major domains: commercial and research. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which made India the fourth nation to reach Mars, and the Chandrayan-3 Mission to soft launch on the south pole of the lunar surface, are purely research initiatives for space exploration. On the other hand, launching foreign satellites for communication, navigation, and resource survey/management are commercial space activities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formed on August 15, 1969, is the country’s official space agency. While pursuing space science research and planetary exploration, ISRO has led and defined the nation’s space industry and economy with 124 spacecraft missions, 432 foreign satellite launches, 98 launch missions, and much more. The Bengaluru-headquartered organisation is gearing up for Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission to space. Several Non-Government Entities (NGEs) aid ISRO as vendors and/or suppliers.

A report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey estimates the size of the global space industry to be $630 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow 9% per annum and reach $1.8 Trillion by 2035. The private sector plays a defining role in driving innovation and access through large-scale investments, while non-space private sector partnerships with space players continue to expand.

In a landmark effort to engage and promote private entities in the space sector, the Government launched the Indian Space Policy 2023. There are 189 DPIIT-recognised space technology startups in India, and the space startups have garnered investment worth $124.7 Million during March-December 2023. The policy enables NGEs to engage end-to-end in all domains of the space sector, making startups a lucrative investment option for investors. Alphabet Inc. became one of the first to capitalise on the lucrative potential with an investment of $36 Million in a Bengaluru-based satellite imaging startup called Pixxel. As the space sector flourishes with emerging startups, established NGEs like Dhruva Space, SatSure, Skyroot, and more are also expanding the remit of their operations and research under the policy.

India’s space economy, valued at $8.4 Billion in 2023, currently accounts for 2-3% of the global space economy. But it is estimated to grow to $44 Billion by 2033. The private sector can play a critical role in realising this and BSX 2024 provided the appropriate platform to boost India’s space development.

To facilitate participation from the private sector, the Department of Space (DoS) established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). Though funded by the DoS, IN-SPACe is an autonomous, single-window, nodal agency for all space sector activities of NGEs. It serves as an authorisation and clearance agency for space launches, provides infrastructure support for launch pads, monitors and facilitates the procurement and trade of satellites, enables the use of DoS facilities, and more. IN-SPACe also offers technical expertise and assistance to NGEs and handholds them through the process by sharing technologies, best practices, and products.

Meanwhile, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), serving as the commercial arm of ISRO under DoS, helps NGEs commercialise their space technologies and platforms. It facilitates manufacturing, leasing, procuring, and trading space components, technologies, and other assets for global markets. It also facilitates space services offered by ISRO and now private companies and consortiums to international and global agencies.

In a more recent and direct reform, an amendment to the FDI policy allows up to 100% foreign direct investment in manufacturing and procuring satellite systems. The satellite sub-sector of the space industry has been distinguished into three different segments with defined foreign investment ceilings. Launch vehicles and their associated products/services can have up to 49% FDI. Activities like operation, data products, and ground and user segments can receive up to 74% FDI. And up to a 100% FDI for the manufacture of satellite components, sub-systems, and ground and user segments of the same.

India’s space sector has always promoted domestic manufacturing and innovation. These principles have held the nation’s space economy in good stead, with the NSIL reporting an annual turnover of INR 28.42 Crore in FY 22-23 alone. The space economy is on a sharp upward trajectory with the influx of space-tech startups and other NGEs. The IN-SPACe has already signed 51 MoUs with NGEs to actualise and support the manufacture of launch vehicles and satellites. Other notable successes include the commercial launches of LVM3 & PSLV and the successful launch of Aditya-L1 aboard PSLV C57 to observe the Sun, cementing India’s place in the global space industry for research and commerce.

The space industry has a crucial role in implementing innovative solutions in several sectors, such as telecommunication, healthcare, agriculture, defence, and others. India’s space sector is at a pivotal juncture. With a rich history of innovation — even at a cost less than Hollywood movies — a booming private sector and a supportive regulatory environment, the nation is poised for a significant leap forward.

By harnessing the collective potential of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and its thriving startup ecosystem, India can not only become a major player in the global space economy but also unlock transformative applications for its citizens and the world. The final frontier beckons and India appears well-equipped to answer its call. The space startup ecosystem has flourished, with 189 startups in 2023, receiving $124.7 million in funding. With favorable policy changes, including the Space Policy 2023 and upcoming legislation, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the space sector, offering new avenues for investments and technological advancements.

As a leader in the space technology domain, India understands the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. The Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 served as a premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in space technology.

source/content: raksha-anirveda.com (headline edited)