AP building unique space economy: Lokesh

Visakhapatnam: IT Minister Nara Lokesh has expressed his confidence that Andhra Pradesh, with an ecosystem that has brought together major space companies, start-ups, MSMEs, research institutions and academia, will emerge as a leading and distinctive destination for India's rapidly expanding space economy.

Addressing a session on 'India's New Space Economy' on the second day of the CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Lokesh stated that the space sector was entering an exciting phase, offering immense opportunities for entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and young professionals.

Lokesh mentioned that AP had adopted a systematic approach towards developing sector-specific industrial ecosystems by identifying key industries, mapping stakeholders across the value chain, and attracting investments, and companies to the state. Acknowledging that industrial ecosystems could not be created merely through incentives and concessions, Lokesh stressed that collective leadership, industry participation, and close collaboration among all stakeholders were essential for sustainable growth.

The Minister highlighted the importance of vertical and horizontal integration in building a strong space industry ecosystem. Vertical integration involves attracting component manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors who support major space companies such as Skyroot in developing and launching rockets. He observed that several such supporting enterprises were MSMEs, which play a vital role in strengthening the supply chain.

Citing an example, Lokesh recalled meeting an MSME exhibitor whose firm had developed a specialised shield for a rocket, demonstrating the significant contribution that even small enterprises could make to the space industry.

Explaining horizontal integration, Lokesh stressed the need to strengthen partnerships between academia and industry through curriculum reforms, research promotion, and improved testing and certification infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of establishing Centres of Excellence to facilitate innovation and technological advancement.

Referring to the collaboration with IIT Tirupati to establish a Centre of Excellence in the energy sector, Lokesh said such initiatives were particularly important in view of the growing manufacturing cluster in ingots, solar wafers, and solar cells. Lokesh called for a dedicated national policy to promote an integrated space industry ecosystem, while urging state governments to proactively identify investment opportunities and attract leading space companies such as Skyroot. He said mapping the entire value chain and bringing component manufacturers, suppliers, research institutions, and major industry players onto a common platform would accelerate the sector's growth.

Interacting with college students, the Minister underlined the enormous opportunities emerging in the space economy and called for greater participation by young professionals, entrepreneurs, and research institutions.

The IT Minister expressed his confidence that a well-integrated ecosystem supported by government initiatives, industry partnerships, MSME participation, and academic excellence would place the state as a unique and attractive destination for investments in India's emerging space economy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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