Youth entertainment and esports firm NODWIN Gaming has announced the launch of SpaceFest, positioned as India’s first festival dedicated to space, science, and science fiction. The initiative, backed by the Government of Maharashtra, aims to establish a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and entertainment within the country’s burgeoning space sector.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Mumbai, attended by key dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister Dr. Uday Samant of the Industries, Investment and Services Department, Dr. P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries, Investment & Services) at the Government of Maharashtra, and Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, CEO of MIDC Mumbai. Also present were Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, and Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-founder and MD of Primus Partners India, which serves as the knowledge partner for the event.
NODWIN Strategic Vision for India’s Space Economy
The festival is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s space economy and seeks to enable Maharashtra’s space-tech startups to showcase innovations, forge partnerships, and connect with global industry leaders.
Minister Dr. Uday Samant emphasized Maharashtra’s leadership role in this initiative. “Our vision is to position Maharashtra not only as a leader in India’s space sector but as a global space hub,” Samant stated. He highlighted the potential for the space economy to generate significant revenue and employment opportunities, reiterating the government’s commitment to securing a substantial share of this growth for the state.
Dr. P Anbalagan noted Maharashtra’s established presence in the aerospace sector, with approximately 25% of India’s aerospace, defense, and navigation systems manufacturing occurring in the state. He also pointed out that Maharashtra is the first state with an independent aerospace policy that includes space technology. “India’s space-tech sector, currently valued at around $8.5–9 billion, is projected to reach $100 billion by 2040,” Anbalagan said, underscoring SpaceFest’s role in cultivating a supportive ecosystem for stakeholders, international institutions, R&D, and capital.
Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah, CEO of MIDC Mumbai, reiterated the state’s ambition to position Maharashtra as a central hub for India’s growing space ecosystem. He affirmed MIDC’s focus on supportive policies, startup incubation, and a robust innovation environment.
NODWIN Bridging Knowledge and Entertainment
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, articulated the event’s purpose: “Ultimately, this is about enabling our young people to shine alongside the nation’s growth.” He expressed gratitude for the government’s support in creating opportunities for young Indians in the space sector.
Aarti Harbhajanka of Primus Partners India highlighted the evolving nature of the space industry, which now encompasses startups, entrepreneurs, AI, robotics, and deep tech, extending beyond traditional government agencies.
SpaceFest will feature immersive experiences, keynote addresses from Indian and global space leaders, panel discussions, and policy announcements. The event will also facilitate international partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signings, alongside showcases from pioneering space-tech startups.
The festival plans dedicated zones for science fiction, gaming, and space-inspired entertainment, including celebrity appearances, fan engagement, and investor interactions. Educational components will include student-focused programs, hands-on workshops, hardware exhibits, and aerospace technology demonstrations. A school outreach program and a college-level innovation challenge are slated as lead-up activities.
India’s increasing prominence in the global space arena, exemplified by NASA’s invitation to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its lunar exploration plans and the government’s policy to open the sector to private participation, provides a conducive environment for such initiatives.
The inaugural edition of SpaceFest is scheduled to take place at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. The Maharashtra Government also plans to install new permanent exhibits at the venue as part of the initiative. Further details, including specific event dates and guest lineup, will be updated on the official SpaceFest website. For more information on this and other latest tech industry developments (https://technosports.co.in/), visit the official SpaceFest website (https://spacefest.in/).
