BENGALURU: In a strategic development, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre  (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, have signed MoUs to accelerate the state’s rise as India’s foremost commercial-space launchpad. The MoUs signed include one for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies in Bengaluru and the other for setting up a public-private space manufacturing park that will anchor next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production.

The MoUs were signed by Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science &Technology), Government of Karnataka; and Mr Lochan Sehra, IAS, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe, in the presence of Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. The MoUs will establish the framework for the Government of Karnataka and IN-SPACe to collaborate and partner for the setting up of the Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies and the Space Manufacturing Park. 

Karnataka has a mature ecosystem across the space sector value chain comprising Government, private, and MSME players, including ISRO headquarters, space-related public sector undertakings such as DRDO labs and facilities, HAL, BEL, BHEL, NAL, and academic and research institutions. The MoUs will enable and support the state’s NewSpace ecosystem towards the national vision as per the Indian Space Policy, 2023, and promote innovation in the sector.

IN-SPACe, on the other hand, has been spearheading India’s space ambitions by enabling ease of doing business with the active participation of government as well as non-governmental entities. As the global space ambitions soar high, IN-SPACe is acting as a nodal agency to shape India’s growing space economy. This signing of MoUs with the Karnataka government aligns to give impetus to regional ambitions that club with the holistic national projections.

Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, said, “The MoUs with IN-SPACe mark a new chapter in Karnataka’s space journey, creating a seamless talent and value chain with the regulatory support required to compete globally.”

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe, said, “State of Karnataka has emerged as a hub for new-age space start-ups and enterprises. The MoUs will bolster this ecosystem and support the state and country’s efforts in succeeding in the NewSpace era. We look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the state to see more satellites, engines, and deep-space technologies developed and manufactured in the state.”

As the global space sector moves from agency-driven programmes to agile public-private partnerships, today’s signing cements Karnataka’s role as India’s launchpad for breakthrough NewSpace technologies propelled by government vision, private ingenuity, and an unrivalled talent pool. IN-SPACe, being the regulator of space in India, is driving core R&D and innovation to propel India’s growth. This MoU is another in line of IN-SPACe’s long-term vision to make India a space-forward economy, with the active participation of the states.

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NEW DELHI: After aggressively expanding in Delhi/NCR, India Accelerator, the leading multi-stage fund-led accelerator and coworking space provider in India has expanded to Pune with the launch of its 23,000 sq. ft. coworking space. The newly launched center is part of IA’s continued expansion, backed by a strong demand for versatile and collaborative work environments in the region.

In recent years, Pune has emerged as the fastest-growing startup hub in India between 2014 and 2023, accumulating a total of $4.7 Bn in funds across 355 deals. It has also been ranked as the 5th largest ecosystem hub in South Asia. Its proximity to Mumbai as well as its positioning as an IT hub creates a huge influx of startups in the city. With a strong track record of accelerating and equipping startups with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, IA has entered Pune to act as a catalyst and growth stimulator for startup growth.

Being one of the most sought-after accelerators in India, IA has designed a highly structured investment thesis across Robotics, Unmanned and Space (RUMS), Circular Economy, Impact Labs, Medicine, Energy Mobility and Connectivity, AI, and DeepTech. In addition, its vast network of over 1800+ mentors, academicians, and experts provides a fertile ground for Pune-based startups to unlock growth opportunities. The startups sitting in that region can look forward to being backed by Finvolve, the multi-stage VC fund that has invested substantial capital in the startups across the stages through its multiple SEBI & GIFT City funds.

Elated with the expansion, Abhay Chawla of IA said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Pune, which is emerging as a prominent hub for the startup ecosystem. In recent years, we have seen an uptick in the demand for vibrant and highly energetic workspaces and thus, we aim to provide the startups with the resources they need to thrive in an ever-evolving and fiercely competitive work environment.”

The IA’s new coworking space has a total capacity of almost 500 seats and caters to startups, small businesses, freelancers, and large enterprises alike. It boasts sleek interiors, blended with modern aesthetics, functionality, and amenities including high-speed internet, fully-equipped meeting rooms, breakout areas, and brainstorming zones to promote productivity and creativity.

The coworking space is strategically designed to fill natural light and quell monotonous work settings. Equipped with ergonomically designed furniture, the space is enhanced with technologically advanced meeting rooms with AV capabilities and soundproof pods for calls to provide a nurturing environment for businesses. In addition, the center is designed to offer flexibility and scalability, with solutions to customize the space and accommodate the requirements of businesses of all sizes.

To elevate the coworking experience, IA hosts regular events like workshops, speaker sessions, and networking meetups as part of its community-building. Subsequently, it enhances collaboration and innovation between the members.

The coworking space offers flexible membership options from flexi desk options to private cabins to meet diverse business needs. In a short span, the centre has started witnessing a huge influx of queries which makes it a go-to destination for entrepreneurs seeking top-notch services with high-performance work environments.

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THE BOARDROOM co-working has already established its success with more than 70,000 Sq Ft of office space in Andheri East and Andheri West regions in Mumbai. Their Andheri East center, located at the prime location of Andheri Kurla Road, is a space they manage for the prestigious ICICI Bank with 1000+ workstations, which is a testament to their commitment to quality. Andheri West Center, the most preferred co-working space in the area, boasts of prestigious clientele like Warner Music, No Broker, Media Monks, and Excel Entertainment, inspiring confidence in the new Pune spaces and assuring you of the same level of excellence.

In the Baner area of Pune, THE BOARDROOM will have a total space of more than 36,000 Sq Ft, adding around 800 seats. The Pride Gateway & SBC (Sadanand Business Center) offices make it an ideal managed office space for MNCs, IT companies, and other new-age companies. Both locations offer a plethora of modern amenities, collaborative workspaces, and an inspiring environment that fosters creativity and productivity, promising an exciting new work experience.

India’s total penetration of the flex market is estimated to be around 6.5%, higher than the APAC region, which stands at 2 to 3%. In 2024, the flex market is estimated to grow around 60% to about INR 14,000 cr, as per a study done by Upflex. The co-working industry is not just growing; it’s booming. With a 43% increase in transactions recorded in the first quarter of this year compared to last year, the demand for flexible workspace solutions is at an all-time high. This surge in demand underscores the value proposition offered by co-working spaces, which provide cost-effective and flexible workspace solutions for companies of all sizes. The boardroom co-working is here to meet that demand, expanding into Pune to bring you the best flexible workspace solutions.

Pune, known for its dynamic business landscape, has emerged as a frontrunner. According to recent data from Knight Frank India, the city leads in flex space transactions, with 1.2 lakh square feet transacted in the first quarter of this year alone. This surge in demand reflects the growing preference for co-working spaces among companies and independent professionals.

Speaking about this, Mohit Palhade, Founder and CEO of THE BOARDROOM co-working, said, “Pune is a strategic market for us, given its prominence in the office space cooperation arena. Our entry into Pune marks a significant leap forward for THE BOARDROOM, and we are excited to cater to the diverse needs of businesses in this dynamic city. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing innovative workspace solutions that drive success and collaboration.”

Further, Amit C Kamerkar, co-founder and CFO of THE BOARDROOM co-working said, “Expanding to markets like Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Pune is part of our growth strategy to meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. We envision adding close to 2 Lac+ square feet of workspace shortly, reaffirming our commitment to empowering professionals across India.”

THE BOARDROOM’s expansion into Pune signifies its dedication to driving innovation and collaboration in India’s thriving business landscape. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence, THE BOARDROOM co-working is poised to redefine the future of Pune’s flexible & managed office sector and beyond.

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The release of the Indian Space Policy-2023 in April 2023 by the Government of India was a watershed moment for the Indian space sector. This policy permitted NGEs to participate in space activities end-to-end. In line with the role of IN-SPACe defined in ISP-2023, IN-SPACe has formulated and released today the Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures (NGP) for implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 in respect of Authorization of Space Activities.

The NGP would complement the Government’s endeavor to provide a predictable regulatory regime, transparency, and ease of doing business in the Indian space sector. The NGP document lists space activities that need authorization from IN-SPACe, specifies criteria for granting such authorizations, and provides necessary guidelines/pre-requisites to be fulfilled by an Applicant for making authorization application to IN-SPACe. The NGP document can be viewed and downloaded from IN-SPACe digital portal (www.inspace.gov.in)

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The thought-provoking Khul Ke’s RoundTable interaction centered around exploring the significance of space exploration, India’s space program advancements, and the potential of science and technology to foster global unity. As the first Indian in space, Sharma’s unforgettable words “Saare Jahan Se Acha” continue to inspire the nation, symbolizing unity and aspiration. Reflecting on Chandrayaan-3’s success, he expressed enthusiasm for India’s renewed drive towards becoming a developed nation.

Throughout the discussion on Khul Ke’s Round Table, Sharma emphasized the importance of utilizing space for peace, underscoring the absence of national borders from the perspective of space. He plans to present visionary ideas on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi can promote “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family) on a global scale, encompassing even outer space, during the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

As India’s sole astronaut, Sharma holds an unparalleled place in its history. He made history in 1984 by becoming the first Indian to fly on a Soviet mission, earning the esteemed title of “Bharat’s first Antriksh Yogi” (India’s first space yogi) for practicing yoga in space. His contributions extend beyond space exploration, playing a key role in the development of the Tejas fighter aircraft.

Currently, Sharma serves as a consultant for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), offering invaluable expertise for the Gaganyaan Mission, India’s ambitious human spaceflight program.

The Khul Ke Round Table with Rakesh Sharma provided a unique opportunity for users to engage with a national space pioneer and gain insights into the future of space exploration and international collaboration. Khul Ke remains a dynamic platform fostering meaningful conversations and inspiring ideas for positive change.

Khul Ke has a wide range of knowledgeable content on science & technology such as Bharat Tech D2M Summit, RoundTable with Professor Annapuri Subramaniam, Director of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, and Sathvik S Shetty, Head, QL space Pvt Ltd, Perth, Australia and more. So, this Science Day dive into the era of science and technology content on the Khul Ke app with your family.

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Looking at the prolific success over the last 4 years in Pune along with the current increased demand and queries for flex spaces they are aggressively looking forward to launching 2 more centers in Baner and Viman Nagar adding up another good 80,000 sq. ft. of ergonomically designed premium office spaces.

The pandemic had grappled many businesses with uncertainty, but now that the market has started picking up and the current demand and queries have also risen VBC is ready to hit the market hard as part of its ambitious growth strategy with expansions all across. Apart from Pune, they have just signed two more centers in Bengaluru and NCR adding to their current portfolio pan India.

Elaborating on the company’s resilience and vision for the future, CEO, Mr. Vineet Taing, said: “The Indian office space market has displayed remarkable resilience and stability in the country. Our ability to adapt, innovate, and continue serving our clients has been the bedrock of our success. Furthermore, we have been offering ‘Core + Flex’ services to all our clients which is a fusion between traditional office spaces and flexible office spaces. Once the covid had started receding, we had a vision to add approximately 1.5 – 2 lac sq. ft. to our existing portfolio across India. Hence, the decision to expand our presence in Pune, Bengaluru, and NCR aligns with our vision and to provide world-class, flexible office spaces to professionals and businesses seeking a conducive work environment.”

Vatika Business Centre continues to revolutionize the workspace industry by offering flexible and premium solutions that enable businesses to thrive. The launch of these two new centers in Pune is a witness to VBC’s mission to redefine workspaces and provide world-class amenities that resonate with the evolving needs of the industry.

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INDIA: Hon PM of India Shri Narendra Modi waves the INDIA Tricolor, congratulting the efforts of Team ISRO and wishing the people of India on this historic moment.

This Indian ISRO Teams journey concluded in a spectracular near perfecrt Soft Landing of the Vikram Lander on the Moons surface near the polar region. This is a moment of celebrations for People of India as the global communities welcome and recognize India for its efforts and succes in the lunar space program.

As you all know INDIA is the FIRST COUNTRY to land a SPACECRAFT on the LUNAR SOUTH POLE. The tricolor now flies high in the lunar skies.

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INDIA: India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been making strides in space exploration with its Chandrayaan missions. The latest mission, Chandrayaan-3, was launched on July 14, 2023, and is currently in its lunar orbit.

The mission aims to land a rover on the moon’s surface and conduct scientific experiments. The rover will be equipped with instruments to study the moon’s surface, mineralogy, and geology. The mission is also expected to provide valuable data on the moon’s water resources.

Chandrayaan-3’s journey began on July 14, 2023, when the LVM3 M4 vehicle successfully launched the spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft, in its precise orbit, began its journey to the moon. The health of the spacecraft was reported to be normal.

On July 15, 2023, the first orbit-raising maneuver (Earthbound firing-1) was successfully performed at ISTRAC/ISRO, Bengaluru. The spacecraft was then in a 41762 km x 173 km orbit.

On July 17, 2023, the second orbit-raising maneuver was performed, and the spacecraft was now in a 41603 km x 226 km orbit. On July 22, 2023, the fourth orbit-raising maneuver (Earth-bound perigee firing) was completed, and the spacecraft was now in a 71351 km x 233 km orbit.

On July 25, 2023, the orbit-raising maneuver was performed, and the next firing (TransLunar Injection) was planned for August 1, 2023. On August 1, 2023, the spacecraft was inserted into the translunar orbit, and the orbit achieved was 288 km x 369328 km. Lunar-Orbit Insertion (LOI) was planned for August 5, 2023.

On August 5, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. The orbit achieved was 164 km x 18074 km, as intended. The very next day, ISRO completed the second lunar-bound maneuver and put the spacecraft into an orbit of 170 km x 4313 km.

On August 9, 2023, ISRO announced that Chandrayaan-3’s orbit was reduced to 174 km x 1437 km following a maneuver. Five days later, the mission entered the orbit circularization phase with the fourth lunar-bound maneuver on August 14, placing the spacecraft into an orbit of 151 km x 179 km.

On August 16, 2023, the spacecraft was fired, and it is now in an orbit of 153 km x 163 km. The mission is currently in the orbit circularization phase, and the spacecraft is in a circular orbit of 151 km x 179 km.

The next important milestone for the mission is the lander and propulsion module separation, which is planned for later today, August 17, 2023. The separation will set the stage for the lander’s descent to the moon’s surface.

The lander, named Vikram, is designed to land on the moon’s surface and conduct scientific experiments. The lander is equipped with instruments to study the moon’s surface, mineralogy, and geology. The lander will also carry a rover, which will be deployed on the moon’s surface to conduct further experiments.

The mission’s success will depend on the lander’s safe landing on the moon’s surface. The landing is expected to take place in the next few days, and the ISRO is closely monitoring the mission’s progress.

Chandrayaan-3 is a crucial mission for India’s space program, and its success will mark a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration efforts. The mission is expected to provide valuable data on the moon’s resources and pave the way for future missions to the moon and beyond.

In conclusion, Chandrayaan-3’s journey to the moon has been eventful, with several successful maneuvers and orbit insertions. The mission is currently in the orbit circularization phase, and the lander and propulsion module separation is planned for later today. The ISRO is closely monitoring the mission’s progress, and the success of the mission will mark a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.

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Cubes in the Space program, which encouraged kids ranging from 11 to 18 years of age across the world to design and build a satellite that fits in the palm of the hand. This project would study the barrier of various industrial materials to safeguard against high-intensity solar UV radiation (UV C, B, A) to better protect humans, goods, and payloads in space flight. The project was selected after multiple and rigorous rounds of selection, with the NASA team and their project leader Ms. Amber. 

The cube contains 4 UV sensors, 3 selected materials (silk, aluminum, plastic), and a microprocessor to log the data every 5 minutes of the cube’s 12-hour journey in the stratosphere. The stratosphere is as high as 1, 64,041 feet compared to Airplanes flying at 30,000 ft. above sea level.

Beaming with confidence and excitement the standard sixth student of Vidya Valley School, Rohan said, “I came to know about the project from my teacher Jaya Ma’am in school when I was shortlisted to apply for it due to my interest in science. Vidya Valley’s Principal Ms. Nalini Sengupta encourages participation in such initiatives. The school’s support and encouragement indeed was very special.”

He further added, “I am interested in science and like to participate in various extracurricular activities. I decided to participate with the intent to learn about newer concepts in science. I was encouraged and supported by my family members.”

Sharing further details about the project, Rohan, said, “Space is immensely exciting and mostly unexplored. The radius of our solar system is almost 9 billion km. And 13 lakh earth can fit into the sun. I came across these mind-boggling facts during my research. Therefore, I wanted to study the effect of this radiation on commonly used materials such as silk for clothing, or food and medicine packaging.”  

Throwing further light on the project he said, “I built a 4 by 4 cm experiment with sensors, a small computer, and a coded program for the experiment to run automatically. My experience has been just fabulous, and I am really excited to see the outcome of this experiment.”

For the record, NASA has been researching human spaceflight hazards related to stressors like radiation placed on the human body during missions. Even with protective shielding, astronauts receive a daily dosage of radiation equal to 8 chest X-rays. Hence, materials used in daily use -silk, aluminum, and plastic were selected to determine which would offer extra protection from UV radiation and protect the astronauts.

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Aims to raise more than Rs. 150 crores in Phase 1 from office space in Pune

• The asset is over 120,000 square feet and is expected to offer 12- 13% IRR and 8-9% entry yield
• India Land and Global Group are well established Real Estate Developers with interests in Industrial, Retail Malls and Offices and have multiple projects spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu

PUNE: Strata, India’s leading tech-enabled commercial real estate (CRE) investment platform, announced today its strategic partnership with India Land and Global Group, two of Maharashtra’s leading commercial developers. This partnership will strengthen the asset supply for Strata increasing its presence across the region.

Through this partnership, Strata is planning to raise Rs.150+  crore in phase 1 for a Grade-A office asset in Pune’s Hinjewadi. This strategic partnership with two key developers in the commercial real estate segment will enhance Strata’s presence across Maharashtra and Southern India in the coming year. India Land and Global Group own multiple commercial properties spread across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Phase 1 of the Pune property is strategically located in Hinjewadi, covering an area of 120,000 square feet. It is expected to offer an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 12-13% and a rental yield of 8-9%. The location has become a thriving investment hub following the establishment of the Hinjewadi IT Park. It is situated in one of the most sought-after areas, surrounded by an unparalleled infrastructure ecosystem. Enjoying proximity to all major suburbs of Pune, Hinjewadi remains one of the region’s most preferred areas.

The asset is part of IndiaLand, a prominent commercial real estate developer in Southern India. With premium assets across Mumbai, Pune, Coimbatore, and Chennai, it will strategically expand Strata’s presence across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, offering fractional investments in commercial properties to a larger audience.

“We are excited about the strategic tie-up with IndiaLand and Global Group for our Hinjewadi Pune office property,” stated Sudarshan Lodha, Co-founder and CEO of Strata. ” Hinjewadi has always been on our radar as the fastest-developing region in Pune. With the backing of these esteemed partners and the investment opportunity we are presenting, we are confident in delivering value to our investors. By meeting the growing demand for top-notch office spaces in Pune, we will further strengthen our foothold and bring more premium investment opportunities for our investors,” he added.

In conjunction with IndiaLand, the Global Group is an esteemed industrial construction group specializing in various areas, including industrial park development, built-to-suit lease options, land acquisition, project management, and warehouse logistics. The company possesses over 10 million square feet of pre-leased industrial & commercial properties strategically located across Pune and beyond.

This strategic partnership combines the extensive experience, industry knowledge, and proven track records of Strata, IndiaLand, and Global Group. By leveraging their combined expertise, the partners aim to create a premier office property in Hinjewadi, Pune, catering to the evolving needs of the business community.

Salaikumaran, CEO, IndiaLand, commented, “Strata, being one of the most prominent proptech platforms, brings us great pleasure to associate with them. This partnership will help us extend this lucrative investment avenue to a larger investor pool and participate in their overall growth journey. This asset marks just the beginning of what we aim to introduce in the market in the near future.”

Harish Hingorani, Executive Director of Global Group added, “This alliance is undoubtedly a significant step for us in opening the doors to larger retail investment in such a technical and closed-door sector. This collaboration will empower us by strengthening our resources and accelerating our growth. We would like to express our gratitude to Sudarshan and his team for this collaboration and have great confidence in a long journey ahead.”

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