In a significant step toward strengthening international space-tech partnerships, Vaanam Space-Tech Accelerator, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, recently hosted a dynamic Indo-French space-tech networking eveninginChennai.TheeventunitedavisitingdelegationoftopFrenchspacecompanieswith several emerging space startups from Tamil Nadu, all actively driving innovation in the space sector.

 

The session commenced with an introduction to Vaanam’s work, highlighting its efforts in identifying,nurturing,andscalingdeep-techstartupswithinthespaceecosystem.Vaanam’s efforts were recognized as a crucial link in connecting startups with mentors, operational support, and global stakeholders.

 

Scientific&AcademicAttaché(Chennai),ConsulatgénéraldeFranceàPondichéryMr.L. Hugues Asso, in his opening remarks, emphasized the strong and evolving relationship between India and France in space cooperation:

 

“Thespacesectorhasbeenakeypillaroflong-standingFranco-Indiancooperation. Today, we are working to build on this legacy in the context of the emerging ‘New Space’ movement. To this end, we are facilitating connections between companies at the forefront of innovation in our two countries, as well as ‘Academy-Industry’ synergies through student mobility and training, and scientific and academic cooperationintheaerospacefield.ThecreationofthenewpositionofScientificand Academic Attaché in Chennai is a testament to this commitment. I was therefore very pleased to participate for the first time in the stimulating discussions and meetings with key French and Indian stakeholders during the second edition of French Space Days in Chennai.”

 

The event featured a powerful panel conversation between Dr. Nambi Narayanan, Padma Bhushan awardee and former ISRO scientist; Mr. Sameer Bharat Ram, Founder of Vaanam Space-tech Accelerator; and Mr. Gautier Champion, Deputy General Manager, CNES Liaison OfficeIndia.ThepanelexploredtheroleofFranceinDr.Narayanan’searlycareer,thelegacyof Indo-French collaboration, and the immense opportunity presented by private space ventures today.

 

“Vaanam aims to empower young space tech founders by connecting them with mentorsandkeyorganisationstogainknowledgeandaccessvitalresources,”said Mr. Sabarisan Vedamurthy, Mentor at Vaanam Space-tech Accelerator. “I’m delighted that this initiative — the ‘Indo-French Space Tech Meet’ — has brought together promising Indian startups and leading French space stakeholders, in the esteemedpresenceofPadmaBhushanShriNambiNarayanan.Wearecommitted tocontinuingsuchforumstofosterglobalcollaborationandinnovationforyoung Indian startup founders.”

 

“IndiaandFrancehavesharedalong-standingrelationshipinthespacesector.The potential today is even greater, especially with the rise of private space initiatives and startups. I believe this is just the beginning of a deeper and more dynamic partnership that will benefit both nations,” shared Dr. Nambi Narayanan during the panel.

 

ProminentFrenchcompaniessuchasTransvalor,CoriolisComposites,PlugIn,TimeLink, and GIFAS, among others, participated in the dialogue, exploring synergies and partnership models with Indian startups.

 

“Itwasareallygoodevent,wherewehadthechancetodiscovergrowingstartups fromtheNewSpaceofIndia.Thankstothediscussions,weunderstoodbetterthe needs of the market and created links to potentially collaborate with the Indian space industry,” said Alban, Sales and Marketing Manager at Transvalor.

 

FromtheIndianside,early-stagespace-techcompaniesbasedinTamilNaduwereenthusiastic about the exchange.

 

“It was an honor for us to engage with pioneering French companies and fellow space startups at the event. Collaborations like these are vital to building a globally integratedspaceecosystem.ThisinitiativeisastrongsteptowardpositioningTamil Nadu as the next emerging space hub, and we’re excited about the possibilities ahead,” said Naveen, Co-Founder of Cosmicport.

 

“It was an awesome event — the first of its kind in Chennai. It’s exciting to see a newplatformemergingforlocalspacetalent,”addedRifath,Co-FounderandCEO of Catalyx.

 

The event concluded with a high-energy networking reception, paving the way for formal engagements,potentialjointprojects,anddeepercooperationintechnologydevelopmentand knowledge transfer. The gathering set the tone for continued Indo-French collaboration in building a globally connected space-tech ecosystem.

 

AboutVaanamSpace-TechAccelerator

 

Vaanam, being a sector-focused accelerator dedicated to space technology, works to scout, support,andscalestartupsoperatingacrossthespacevaluechain—fromsatellitetechnology and propulsion systems to data applications and downstream services. Through mentorship,

programsupport,andindustrylinkages,Vaanamisfosteringthegrowthanddevelopmentof India’s deep-tech space startups, laying a strong foundation for future innovation.