Intro: As of July 24, 2026, IN-SPACe contributions under the Contribution Agreement reached ₹188.93 crore, per the minister
New Delhi
The government-backed Antariksh Venture Capital Fund (AVCF), established to support emerging space-technology startups, has become operational and selected three startups for investment, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh informed Parliament on Wednesday.
The SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund received regulatory approval on October 31, 2025. The fund is designed to provide equity capital to space-tech startups at different stages of development, helping them advance new technologies, commercialise innovations and expand their operations.
According to the minister, contributions made by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) under the Contribution Agreement stood at ₹188.93 crore as of July 24, 2026. The government said contributions during the 2026-27 financial year amounted to ₹182.87 crore.
The Antariksh Venture Capital Fund aims to address the funding requirements of India’s growing private space sector. By providing equity support, the fund is expected to help startups develop advanced technologies, strengthen commercial capabilities and contribute to the country’s broader space ambitions.
Investments will be made according to the fund’s stated objectives and investment strategy and will remain subject to provisions under the SEBI Alternative Investment Funds Regulations, the private placement memorandum and other applicable fund documents.
The government said all investments made by the fund would comply with investment restrictions specified under relevant regulations.
While the fund is expected to support the growth of India’s space-tech ecosystem, the government has not yet estimated the percentage growth in the country’s space economy that could be directly attributed to the venture capital initiative.
Dr Singh said the overall impact would be assessed over time based on the performance of the startups and companies included in the fund’s investment portfolio.
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The initiative is expected to improve access to long-term capital and encourage innovation in India’s expanding commercial space sector.
- Dr Singh, Union Minister
