Opportunities For Private Entrepreneurs & Enterprise In Space Sector

The Tamil Nadu Technology Development & Promotion Centre (TNTDPC) of CII in partnership with Hindustan Institute ofTechnology and Science, Chennaiorganizeda Webinar on “Opportunities for Private Entrepreneurs and Enterprise in Space Sector” on 18 July 2020 with the theme of Empowering India with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission”. The webinar was coordinated by faculty of the School of Aeronautical Sciences, HITS; and attended by over 264 participants from various Industries and Academic Institutions from India.

PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has given the clarion call of Make in India and Hon’ble Finance Minister in her recent speech announced slew of initiatives for India to become global hub for Aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), thus major aircraft engine manufacturers are looking forward to set up their repair facilities in India. We will also see Involvement of Private sectors in ISRO’s space exploration, Satellite launches & Remote sensing. This will make defence production self-reliant also Corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board to improve Autonomy, Accountability & Efficiency. The FDI Limit has been raised in defence production from 49% to 74%. The Civil Aviation: sector will focus on establishing world class Airports through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Gujarat is taking the lead in to become a Hub for Aerospace and Defence sector manufacturing

WEBINR SESSIONS

The inaugural function was held in zoom platform presided over by Mr. Nandakumar Convener Energy Panel FICCI TNSE& MD EDAC Engineering Ltd. The Chief Guest, Dr. A. ShivathanuPillai President& NMC Chairman, PMA (Former CEO& MD BrahMos Aerospace and CCR&D, DRDO) spoke about his expertise on the subject of private entrepreneurs and enterprise in space sector. The talk urged the educational institutions to start collaborating with industry and design in the components and subcomponents for the space systems. Dr. A. Shivathanu Pillai insisted Hindustan to take lead in conducting the collaboration with the educational institutions and the industry. Mr. Vijay Anand Special Secretary to Govt. of India (Retd.) and Former Financial Advisor, Department of Space spoke about the topic on regulatory challenges for space industries in India.Mr. S. M. Vaidya Executive Vice President & Business Head Godrej Aerospace gave insights on Manufacturing challenges and opportunities from Aerospace and Defence. The question and answer session was actively participated by students and industry alike.

KEY TAKE AWAYS

The revised definition of MSME in DPP 2020 will open new doors for MSME sector. The availability of DRDO laboratories for MSME and technology transfer is going to be easier. Support from TN Government is readily available for aerospace, defence and industry corridor through a policy which is already framed. Industry and the academia needs to work together to build a confederation and establish a healthy ecosystem.

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science can play a pivotal role in the establishing the industry academia connects. Academia needs to identify the subcontractors for the space system and try to develop new technology for them. Tire three Subcontractors also involved in the design stage of the space systems and not just be fabricators.About 4000 Cr/annum is available for MSME industries to do business with defence sectors. Design and manufacturing support to be given to MSME, with shorter trials. ISRO already being a leader in shaping opportunity for private players is encouraging. ISRO has 12000 partners of which 7000 partners are MSME. ISRO has systematic process of indigenization and industry has to leverage this ISRO’s action.