Antariksh Venture Fund for space startups operational (₹1,005 crore)
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 2026Mains 2026 (GS3)2 PYQs
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- Prelims 2026Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programmeSolve with answer →
- Mains 2026 · GS3How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to…See model answer →
What happened
- India’s first dedicated VC fund for space startups, the ₹1,005 crore Antariksh Venture Fund, is operational, with investments expected from FY2027 [PIB].
Background
- IN-SPACe authorises private space activity; the space VC fund was announced in Budget 2024-25.
Why it matters
- A dedicated fund helps space startups that ordinary investors find too risky.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-04-01): india's first dedicated VC fund for space startups, the ₹1,005 crore Antariksh Venture Fund, is operational, with investments expected from FY2027.
- A dedicated fund helps space startups that ordinary investors find too risky.
Quotable data pointIndia's first dedicated VC fund for space startups, the ₹1,005 crore Antariksh Venture Fund, is operational, with investments expected from FY2027.
PIB: Space: Antariksh Venture Fund, 1 Apr 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: IN-SPACe.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Fund size
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Investments from
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Regulator/promoter of private space
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
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Official source: PIB: Space: Antariksh Venture Fund, 1 Apr 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending