HYDERABAD, Nov 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the transformative role of India’s Gen-Z in shaping the nation’s rapidly expanding space sector, saying the country’s young innovators are placing national interest above all as they lead a new era of technological breakthroughs.

Modi made the remarks while virtually inaugurating Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus in Hyderabad—one of India’s largest private space facilities—and unveiling the company’s first orbital rocket, Vikram-I.

Highlighting that more than 300 space startups are now driving India’s ascent as a global space power, Modi said many of these ventures began in modest rooms with limited means but immense determination.
“This spirit has given birth to the private space revolution in India,” the Prime Minister said, praising young engineers, designers and scientists who are developing advanced propulsion systems, composite materials, satellite platforms and rocket stages—domains once unthinkable for Indian startups.

He added that the rise of the private space sector reflects India’s broader startup boom, fuelled predominantly by Gen-Z innovators working across FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, DefenceTech, ClimateTech and EduTech.

Modi noted that India is home to over 1.5 lakh startups, making it the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. What began as a big-city phenomenon, he said, has now spread to small towns and villages thanks to the confidence and creativity of young Indians.

Vikram-I and Skyroot’s New Campus Unveiled

The PM also unveiled Vikram-I, Skyroot Aerospace’s first orbital launch vehicle capable of placing satellites in orbit. The company’s new two-lakh sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility will enable the production of one orbital rocket every month, boosting India’s private space manufacturing capacity.

Founded by former ISRO scientists and IIT alumni Pawan Chandana and Bharath Daka, Skyroot earlier became the first private Indian company to launch a rocket with the sub-orbital Vikram-S mission in 2022.

Modi said the achievements of startups like Skyroot will inspire youth worldwide and set a global benchmark for innovation led by the younger generation.