IN-SPACe Announces upto Rs. 6 Crore AI INSPIRED Fund to Drive AI Integration in Space Exploration
Delhi/ Bangalore, February 18, 2026. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) today announced the launch of the AI INSPIRED Opportunities in Space Sector programme, a new call for proposals under its INSPIRED initiative, during the India AI Impact Summit held in Delhi. The programme is aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence driven innovation across India’s private space ecosystem through targeted financial and institutional support. The funding support will be provided as grant in aid under the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme.
The announcement was made by Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, while speaking at the session titled “Beyond Earth: How AI is Powering the Next Era of Space Exploration”. IN-SPACe also served as the knowledge partner for the session.
Sharing his thought on this announcement, Dr Vinod said, “Both space and artificial intelligence are burgeoning sectors, and their convergence holds strong potential to transform how we explore and operate in complex and remote environments through autonomous and intelligent decision making. We will support selected entities with proposal development, access to resources, mentorship, skills, and solution building support. We are keen to see how non-government entities use this opportunity to develop solutions that serve national priorities over the long term.”
The AI INSPIRED (INnovating Space Performance with Intelligent Resilient Engines Development) Opportunities in Space Sector programme is designed to support the integration of AI with space exploration and applications, with a total outlay of upto Rs. 6 crore with maximum of Rs. 1 crore to each selected grantee. It seeks proposals that apply artificial intelligence across key areas of space activity, including intelligent onboard and in orbit systems, AI enabled use of space derived data for Earth based applications, and technology led approaches that improve efficiency, reliability and access in space operations. The initiative is intended to promote practical and high impact innovation that connects AI capabilities with space technologies and downstream use cases.
Applications are invited from space start ups and Micro and Small Industries working on innovative AI based solutions relevant to the space sector in three tracks – Edge Intelligence in Orbit, Space for Earth Intelligence, and Smart Access to Space. Up to six grantees will be selected, with each eligible to receive grant in aid support of up to Rs. 1 crore to advance their projects.
Interested applicants may submit their proposals through the official IN-SPACe website. The last date for receipt of completed applications is 20 March 2026.
