Overview of the Centre

The Centre of Excellence in Space Technology is a Government of Karnataka initiative implemented through CoE–SPACE TECH FOUNDATION. SIA-India and KITS have signed a MOA. It strengthens Karnataka's leadership in the space sector by fostering innovation, building technical capability, and enabling collaboration across industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about the Centre

Supported By

KITS

Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society, Government of Karnataka — established the Centre to enable and support the New Space ecosystem in the state.

SIA-India

Satellite Communication Industry Association — industry partner implementing the Centre of Excellence in Space Technology.

About the Centre

Background and vision

Background of the initiative

Following the Government of India's space sector reforms (2020), which opened doors for enhanced participation of Non-Government Entities in space activities, Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS) under the Department of Electronics, IT, BT & Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, took the first step to establish the Centre of Excellence for Space Technology to enable and support the New Space ecosystem in Karnataka, positioning the state as a hub for space start-ups and enterprises.

Role of CoE–SPACE TECH FOUNDATION

CoE Space Tech Foundation is a Section 8 Company established to implement the Centre. The Foundation leverages space technologies to address societal challenges in agriculture, disaster management, climate, connectivity, and surveillance—by enabling an ecosystem where start-ups, researchers, industry, and government collaborate. Programmes, partnerships, and ecosystem initiatives are being rolled out progressively.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To strengthen Karnataka's position as a leading hub for space technology innovation, capability development, and ecosystem collaboration.

Mission

To enable capability development, innovation, and collaboration across the space technology ecosystem by facilitating training programmes, supporting research and early-stage innovation, strengthening startup pathways, and engaging industry, academia, investors, and international partners.

Focus Areas

Four pillars to translate space technologies into societal impact

Training & Capacity Building

Supporting specialised training initiatives that strengthen the talent pipeline for the space technology sector. The Centre will engage with academic institutions, industry experts, and practitioners to facilitate knowledge exchange and skill development relevant to emerging space technologies.

Research & Innovation

Encouraging collaborative research initiatives involving academia, industry, and research organisations. The Centre will seek to enable early-stage exploration of technologies and applications that contribute to the advancement of the space technology ecosystem.

Start-up Enablement

Supporting emerging start-ups developing space technologies and applications by facilitating connections with industry mentors, technical expertise, and the broader innovation ecosystem. The Centre will also seek to strengthen pathways for technology validation, market access, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship within the space sector.

Ecosystem Engagement

Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between industry, academia, start-ups, investors, and government stakeholders through interactions, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at strengthening the space technology ecosystem.

Governance

The Centre of Excellence is implemented through CoE–SPACE TECH FOUNDATION, a not-for-profit entity established to execute the programme. The governance structure ensures strategic guidance, institutional accountability, and alignment with the programme mandate.

Board of Directors

Responsible for institutional governance and compliance of the implementing organisation.

Governing Council

Provides strategic guidance on the direction and priorities of the Centre and includes leaders from industry, academia, and the space ecosystem.

Project Monitoring Committee

Monitors programme progress and fund utilisation in line with the programme mandate.

Management

The operational management of the Centre is led by the Chief Executive Officer, supported by the programme and administrative team.

Board of Directors

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri is a technologist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the Indian Space Program (ISRO). After a successful 15-year tenure at ISRO, he became one of the early pioneers of private industry in high technology areas.

In 1992, Dr. Subba Rao founded Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) for design, development, and fabrication of highly reliable systems for the Indian Space Programme and Indian Defence. He was among the very early entrepreneurs supporting Indian space.

Mr. Govindarajan D S

Mr. Govindarajan D S

Govindarajan is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the satellite industry, specializing in business operations and the development of strategic alliances across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa (AMEA). He combines strong industry leadership with strategic influence, overseeing operations across multiple organizations and driving growth through vision-led execution.

He serves as a Member of the Executive Board of SIA-India, contributing to the advancement of India's satellite and space ecosystem.

In addition to his leadership roles, he is a trusted advisor to several startups in the space and technology sectors, supporting innovation, scaling, and market expansion.

He also serves on the advisory boards of multiple space-tech ventures, contributing his expertise to guide next-generation innovations in the industry.

Advisors

Dr. Sandya Bhat Asnotikar

Dr. Sandya Bhat Asnotikar

Doctoral Researcher | Speaker | SAP Industries Business

Space Tech, Aerospace, and Defense Advisor and Mentor; President, Aerospace Council, WICCI.

Mr. Abhishek Raju

Mr. Abhishek Raju

Serial Entrepreneur

Interests in SpaceTech and Financial Services; co-founded and supported companies in geospatial, satellite systems, propulsion, and regulated financial products.

Mr. Atul Kavitake

Mr. Atul Kavitake

Swissnex in India

Drives India-Swiss collaboration in science, technology, and innovation with startups, corporates, and government partners.

Mr. Ashok G.V.

Mr. Ashok G.V.

Partner, Factum Law and Allied Law Practices

Global Fellow, European Space Policy Institute; advises on space law, policy, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation.

Mr. JK Ajaykumar

Mr. JK Ajaykumar

VP-Mission Development (MEAP), Helogen Corporation | Founder, Vellon Space

Emerging space-tech leader focused on in-space biomanufacturing and microgravity life sciences, enabling biotech and pharmaceutical innovation through space-based research applications.

Updates

Institutional developments, governance appointments, events, partnerships, and programme announcements

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