Madhya Pradesh to Emerge as a Major Hub of Space Technology with SpaceTech Policy-2026, Says CM Mohan Yadav; How New High-Skill Employment Opportunities Will Open for Youth
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that the state government has implemented the Madhya Pradesh SpaceTech Policy-2026 with the objective of establishing Madhya Pradesh as a leading state in the field of space technology. The policy will promote SpaceTech innovation, manufacturing, research and technology-based applications, positioning the state as a hub in India’s rapidly expanding space economy.
State becoming an attractive destination for SpaceTech investments
CM said that the global space economy is expanding rapidly, and India is advancing with new opportunities in this sector. Owing to its strong industrial base, reputed educational institutions, defence corridor, and emerging technology ecosystem, Madhya Pradesh is becoming an attractive destination for SpaceTech investments. He stated that the policy is a visionary effort to transform the state’s scientific and astronomical heritage into future-oriented technological leadership, creating new opportunities for youth and giving the state a distinct identity in the SpaceTech sector.
Vision for Comprehensive Development of SpaceTech Ecosystem
The SpaceTech Policy-2026 presents a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the space sector. It covers areas such as satellite and launch vehicle component manufacturing, propulsion systems, avionics, advanced materials, assembly-integration-testing, mission operations, ground stations, space situational awareness and AI-based data analytics. Under the policy, modern manufacturing, testing and data infrastructure will be developed, and youth will be prepared for careers in the SpaceTech sector through specialised training programs.
New Momentum for Research and Innovation
A SpaceTech Centre of Excellence will be established to promote research, innovation, prototype development, and startup incubation. Modern facilities, such as a SmallSat Digital Twin Lab and a Space Innovation Sandbox, will also be developed. In Ujjain, a Research and Development Centre for Astrophysics and Space Science will be established to connect the state’s rich scientific heritage with modern technologies.
Attractive Incentives for Startups and Industries
The policy offers several incentives for startups and industries. Startups will receive Idea-to-Prototype grants of up to Rs 75 lakh, technology acquisition support of up to Rs 1 crore, and access to a Rs 200 crore strategic fund investment through the state participation fund.
The policy also provides 50 per cent reimbursement on patent costs, assistance of up to ₹1 crore for testing facilities, and 75 per cent reimbursement (up to ₹10 lakh) for certifications such as ISRO, IN-SPACe, and ISO. Special incentives will also be provided for design-linked incentives and incubation facilities.
Skill Development to Prepare Future Workforce
To create skilled human resources for the SpaceTech sector, special courses will be introduced in higher educational institutions, supported by grants of up to Rs 20 lakh. Students will receive internship opportunities with a stipend of Rs10,000 per month for up to six months. Support of up to Rs 50,000 for employee skill upgradation and provisions for SpaceTech fellowships for researchers have also been included.
Development of World-Class Infrastructure
The policy provides capital subsidies of up to 40 per cent (maximum Rs 150 crore) for SpaceTech industries, along with additional incentives for women entrepreneurs. Infrastructure such as Space Systems and Applications Parks, testing laboratories, clean rooms, and high-performance computing-based data centres will be developed. Grants of up to Rs 15 crore will be provided for testing facilities, and startups and MSMEs will receive up to 30 per cent reimbursement of testing costs.
Promoting Scientific Temper Among Students
To encourage interest in space science, an ‘Antariksh Vihar’ Space Exploration Park will be established. Under ‘Mission Kalpana’, innovation among school students will be encouraged.
The state will also support increased participation of students in ISRO’s Young Scientist Program (YUVIKA). Selected students will receive an incentive of Rs 25,000.
Simplified Processes for Investors
For the implementation of the policy, the MP Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (MPMEDC) has been designated as the nodal agency. Investors and startups will be provided facilities through single-window clearance, online registration and simplified procedures.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the SpaceTech Policy-2026 will play a significant role in attracting investments, accelerating industrial growth, and creating employment opportunities for youth. He expressed confidence that the policy will prove to be a milestone in establishing Madhya Pradesh among the leading states in the space technology sector in India.