India Space Congress Brings Startups and Industry Leaders Together in Delhi
New Delhi-Policymakers, space agencies and industry leaders gathered in New Delhi on Monday for the India Space Congress 2026, focusing on partnerships, technology development and expansion of India’s space economy.
The three-day event, organized by the Space Industry Association of India, brought together around 600 participants from more than 20 countries and is among the region’s largest space sector gatherings.
Discussions at the congress cover satellite communications, direct-to-device connectivity, Earth observation, geospatial intelligence, launch systems, in-orbit services, navigation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space sustainability and manufacturing.
Industry representatives said the event aims to strengthen collaboration between government, private companies and international partners as India develops its space capabilities.The congress also highlights the growing role of private companies after India opened the space sector to wider private participation in 2020, allowing firms to build and operate satellites and provide launch services.
Space Industry Association representatives said the changing environment has allowed private companies to move beyond traditional supplier roles and become independent participants in the sector.
India’s space economy is aiming to expand to $44 billion by 2033, with startups increasingly contributing to satellite technology, communications and space-based services.Participants said the event provides startups with opportunities to connect with investors, partners and the wider space ecosystem.
Companies including VyomIC, which is developing a private low-Earth orbit positioning, navigation and timing satellite constellation, said the congress helps build cooperation within the industry.Other startups such as ULOOK, focused on space-based radio-frequency intelligence, said the platform allows them to showcase technology and establish new partnerships.
The congress is also being used to explore international cooperation, including potential collaborations with countries in the Middle East in satellite manufacturing, launches and space education.
