NEW DELHI: Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, has announced the India edition of its flagship Space for Good Challenge 2025, a pioneering global STEM innovation program for students. After successful editions in the United States and the United Kingdom, the challenge will now culminate in India with the finals scheduled in New Delhi on September 26th.
Organized in collaboration with BSNL and government agencies, the India edition marks Viasat’s first-ever challenge in the country. With over 9,000 global applications, eight outstanding finalists from Indian universities have been shortlisted after rigorous evaluations in earlier phases.
The finalists represent some of India’s most prestigious institutions, including IIT Kanpur, BITS Pilani, KIIT, SASTRA, Nirma University, and Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology. Their groundbreaking concepts include orbital manufacturing hubs, sustainable asteroid mining, electromagnetic satellite propulsion, intelligent space debris tracking, plasma-based communications, and emergency satellite-powered SOS networks.
Highlighting India’s growing role in the global space ecosystem, Gautam Sharma, Managing Director of India at Viasat, said:
“India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top space nations, with a thriving ecosystem of innovators, researchers, and private startups. For Viasat, India is a key region, not only because of its role in global space technology, but also because of the unmatched creativity of its young people. Through the Space for Good Challenge, we aim to empower the next generation of STEM leaders with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to shape sustainable space technology.”
The 2025 challenge spans three tracks across the U.S., U.K., and India, focusing on sustainable space technologies that can improve life on Earth. Finalists undergo a three-stage process—concept submission, digital entry refinement, and a final pitch before industry leaders. Each Indian finalist is paired with a Viasat India mentor, who will guide them for six months beyond the competition.
Winners of the final round will be awarded university scholarships, furthering their contribution to the future of space research and technology.
