Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined the growing influence of India’s Gen-Z in shaping the country’s space ambitions and broader startup ecosystem. Speaking at the virtual inauguration of Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, he said that whenever India opens new avenues, the youth—especially Gen-Z—step forward with determination and prioritise national interest.
Gen-Z powering India’s private space momentum
PM Modi noted that over 300 space startups are now fuelling rapid growth in the sector. Many began as small teams working from modest spaces, he said, yet their determination led to breakthroughs in propulsion systems, composite materials, rocket stages and satellite platforms—areas once out of reach for Indian startups.
He described this enthusiasm as the driving force behind India’s private space revolution, crediting young engineers, coders, designers and scientists for pushing boundaries.
Startup boom expanding across sectors
Linking space-sector growth with India’s wider entrepreneurship wave, the Prime Minister said that young innovators—particularly Gen-Z—are actively contributing in areas like FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, EduTech and DefenceTech.
He appreciated their “creativity, positive attitude and ability,” saying their approach could inspire young people around the world.
India now third-largest startup ecosystem
PM Modi highlighted that India has crossed 1.5 lakh registered startups, making it the world’s third-largest startup hub. Importantly, he said, innovation is no longer limited to major cities, with startups rising from smaller towns and rural regions as well.
PM Modi unveils Vikram-I
During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled Skyroot’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, capable of launching satellites into orbit. The company’s newly inaugurated Infinity Campus features around two lakh sq. ft. of workspace for designing, assembling and testing multiple launch vehicles, with the capacity to produce one orbital rocket every month.
Skyroot, founded by IIT alumni and former ISRO scientists Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, earlier made history in November 2022 by launching Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to send a rocket to space.