Rajnath Singh
A government funding has been awarded to the Bengaluru-based business Pixxel to help it create multi-payload satellites for the Indian Air Force. Pixxel will create miniature satellites weighing up to 150 kg as multi-crore rupee funding from the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme has been granted for the project.
“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 provided to startups chosen through MoD initiatives, are intended to develop cutting-edge solutions and advance deep-tech innovations in India. Out of several competing companies, Pixxel was selected as the award recipient.
The company claimed that it had already established itself as a top innovator in the space technology industry by developing and launching the highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging satellites made in India. It added that by utilising this in-house technology which can facilitate easy manufacture at low cost and simple launch, it will now produce small satellites for the defence industry.
Pixxel’s CEO, Awais Ahmed, expressed his joy at receiving the grant and looked forward to use it to produce satellites for the first time outside of the company.
“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.
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