India’s space sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Since the government’s space sector reforms and the opening up of private participation, a new generation of entrepreneurs have begun building technologies that were once reserved for national agencies. At the center of this evolving ecosystem is Kicksky, India’s first VC-backed SpaceTech Accelerator, helping founders bridge the gap between breakthrough innovation and commercial success.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Startup Times, Govindarajan DS, Founding Team Member & Director of Kicksky, shared his entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind launching the accelerator, the rapid evolution of India’s space startup ecosystem, and why mentorship, networks, and investment readiness matter just as much as groundbreaking technology.

A Journey Built on Space, Technology, and Entrepreneurship

Govindarajan’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in the space and communications industry. He began his career with Forbes and Hewlett-Packard before moving into the satellite communications domain, where he spent years understanding the complexities of the global space ecosystem.

In 2007, he co-founded Aniara Communications, focusing on satellite communication technologies and industry solutions. His long association with the sector positioned him to witness one of the biggest turning points in India’s space history—the government’s decision to liberalize the sector in 2020.

Recognizing the enormous opportunity emerging from these reforms, Govindarajan saw the need for an ecosystem that could support founders beyond technology development.

Building India’s First VC-Backed SpaceTech Accelerator

Three years ago, Kicksky was established as India’s first VC backed Space Tech Accelerator with Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures with a singular objective—to support India’s emerging SpaceTech startups scale faster through structured accelerator program.

Unlike conventional accelerators, Kicksky was designed specifically for the unique requirements of the space industry, where startups face longer product development cycles, higher capital requirements, regulatory complexities, and global market challenges.

Today, Kicksky has built one of the country’s largest SpaceTech founder-investor communities. Rather than functioning as an investment fund, Kicksky serves as a platform that prepares startups to become investment-ready while connecting them with the right investors and strategic partners.

India’s SpaceTech Ecosystem Is Entering Its Growth Phase

According to Govindarajan, India’s SpaceTech ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth since the introduction of the new space policy.

From having only a handful of private companies in the sector, India today is home to nearly 250–300 SpaceTech startups, covering advanced technologies in launch vehicles, satellites, geospatial intelligence, space applications, propulsion systems, robotics, and advanced in-space manufacturing.

He believes this growth is only beginning.

Over the next five years, increasing investor confidence, stronger government support, and a wave of ambitious young founders will continue to accelerate innovation across the sector. As private participation expands and commercial opportunities multiply, India is positioning itself as a significant player in the global space economy.

Addressing the Unique Challenges of SpaceTech Startups

Unlike software startups that can iterate rapidly, SpaceTech companies often require years of research, testing, certifications, and significant capital before commercialization.

Govindarajan explained that this is precisely where Kicksky creates value.

The accelerator acts as a gateway into the broader space ecosystem by helping startups access mentors, industry experts, technology partners, investors, and global markets. Beyond business guidance, the program focuses heavily on preparing founders for commercial execution and fundraising.

Its objective is not simply to help startups build technology but to ensure they are capable of building sustainable businesses around that technology.

A Highly Structured Selection and Mentorship Process

Kicksky follows a rigorous evaluation process for every accelerator cohort.

Only six startups are selected in each batch after carefully assessing their technological innovation, founding team, market focus and long-term potential.

The accelerator begins with a month-long assessment phase, during which startups work closely with mentors to identify strengths, gaps, and commercialization opportunities. Following that, mentorship program  focuses on technology validation, business strategy, customer development, partnerships, fundraising preparation, and investment readiness.

Govindarajan emphasized that the accelerator looks beyond ideas alone—it seeks founders capable of solving meaningful problems with scalable and globally relevant technologies.

Investor Interest in SpaceTech Is Rapidly Maturing

One of the biggest shifts Govindarajan has observed is the evolution of venture capital interest in SpaceTech.

Investors today possess a much deeper understanding of the industry’s opportunities than they did a few years ago. Rather than viewing SpaceTech purely as a high-risk sector, many VCs now recognize its long-term commercial potential across satellite services, launch systems, Earth observation, defense technologies, and downstream applications.

While Kicksky itself does not directly invest in startups as of now, it plays an important role in connecting founders with investors who understand the sector and can support long-term growth.

Govindarajan also indicated that direct investments may become a possibility for Kicksky as the platform evolves in the future.

A Supportive Policy Environment for Space Innovation

When asked about regulatory challenges, Govindarajan offered an optimistic perspective.

He believes India’s current policy framework has significantly improved the ease of doing business for SpaceTech startups. The establishment of a single-window regulatory mechanism and proactive government engagement have simplified many processes that previously posed barriers for private companies.

While certain operational improvements may emerge over time as the ecosystem matures, he feels the current framework already provides a strong foundation for innovation and commercialization.

Success Stories That Reflect the Accelerator’s Impact

Several startups graduating from Kicksky’s accelerator have already demonstrated strong progress.

Companies including Akashlabdhi, Cligent Aerospace, AnduraX, AugsenseLab, and Orbit Aid have successfully advanced their technologies, secured funding, strengthened industry partnerships, and expanded their commercial readiness.

For Govindarajan, these outcomes represent more than fundraising milestones—they validate the importance of structured mentorship, ecosystem access, and strategic guidance in helping deep-tech startups succeed.

Building Value Before Chasing Valuation

Looking ahead, Govindarajan envisions Kicksky becoming one of the most influential platforms supporting India’s growing SpaceTech ecosystem.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: focus on creating value by building  technology, solving real-world problems, assembling a passionate team and making an impact on society.

Rather than pursuing valuation as the primary objective, founders should concentrate on innovation and customer value. Sustainable valuations, he believes, are a natural outcome of companies that create meaningful technological impact.

As India’s space economy enters a new era of private innovation, platforms like Kicksky are ensuring that promising founders receive not just capital access but also the mentorship, networks, and strategic direction required to compete on a global stage. Through this ecosystem-first approach, Govindarajan DS is helping shape the next generation of Indian SpaceTech success stories.

Interview By : Arushi Agarwal