Indian Spacetech Startups Shift Focus Toward Microgravity Biomanufacturing

26 Aug 2026, 5:51 pm · 17d ago · 1 min read · Inc42

Indian spacetech startups and researchers are expanding beyond satellites and launch vehicles to explore microgravity in low Earth orbit for pharmaceutical drug discovery and advanced materials manufacturing. Microgravity allows scientists to grow ultra-pure protein crystals and develop novel compounds that cannot be replicated on Earth. The shift gained momentum after Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla conducted seven microgravity experiments aboard the International Space Station during Axiom Mission 4, supported by ISRO. Indian space companies are now positioning low Earth orbit as a viable commercial manufacturing hub, attracting interest from pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms seeking competitive advantages in high-value therapeutics.