Karnataka Sets Up First State-Led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology in Bengaluru.

Karnataka has launched the country’s first state-led Centre of Excellence for Space Technology, named the CoE SpaceTech Foundation, in Bengaluru, marking a major push to accelerate space-sector innovation and commercial applications.

The initiative has been set up by the Government of Karnataka through the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), in collaboration with the SIA-India. It was inaugurated by Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge.

The Centre of Excellence has been created under a Memorandum of Agreement between KITS and SIA-India, with a focus on advancing research and innovation in space technologies, developing industry-aligned training and talent pipelines, and strengthening startup incubation and ecosystem support.

It will also explore cross-sector applications of space technology, aiming to bridge research, industry needs, and commercial deployment.

Officials said the initiative is designed to position Karnataka as a leading hub for space technology innovation, while supporting India’s growing private space ecosystem through collaboration between government, industry, and startups.