Viasat Inc. has announced the launch of the 2026 Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge, a STEM-focused initiative designed to encourage university students to develop space-based solutions that address real-world challenges on Earth.
Following its debut in India in 2025, the program returns with an expanded edition aimed at supporting innovation and student engagement in the space and telecommunications sectors.
Building on the Momentum of the 2025 Edition
According to Viasat, the previous edition generated strong participation and measurable outcomes among students. The company reported that 93% of participants experienced increased awareness of careers in space and telecommunications, while interest in space-related careers rose by 53.45%. Confidence regarding future job prospects also increased by 32.2% among participants.
The initiative is part of Viasat’s efforts to support innovation and talent development as India’s space sector continues to evolve.
Challenge Open to University Students Across India
The 2026 Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge is open to individual university students from across the country.
The competition will be conducted in three stages. The first phase, focused on written submissions, will run from June 8 to July 19, 2026. The second phase, involving a three-minute digital submission, will take place from August 3 to August 23, 2026.
The third phase will begin on September 7, 2026, when finalists will start preparing for their presentations. The finals week is scheduled from October 24 to October 27, 2026, with the final presentations and award ceremony taking place on October 27.
Top Participants to Receive Mentorship
From the initial pool of applicants, 30 students will be selected to advance to the second phase of the competition. From there, six finalists will be chosen to present their ideas before a panel of industry experts.
Each finalist will be paired with a Viasat mentor who will help refine and strengthen their proposal ahead of the final presentation.
Focus on Space Technology Applications
The challenge encourages students to explore how space technologies can be used to improve life on Earth. Participants are invited to develop ideas across areas such as equitable and sustainable access to space, direct-to-device (D2D) communications, Internet of Things (IoT), multi-orbit constellations, and disaster and humanitarian response.
The competition aims to promote innovative thinking while exposing students to practical applications of space-based technologies.
Prize Money
Winners of the 2026 Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge will receive cash prizes.
The first-place winner will receive ₹5 lakh, while the second and third positions will be awarded ₹3.75 lakh and ₹2.75 lakh, respectively.
Applications and additional information are available through the challenge’s official platform.
Leadership Quote
Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, India at Viasat said, “The response to last year’s program in India exceeded our expectations, showcasing the incredible ingenuity and ambition of students across the country. With the return of Viasat: Space for Good in 2026, we are building on that strong foundation—expanding opportunities for students to explore bold ideas that can transform space technologies while addressing real-world challenges. By bringing together partners, expert judges, and industry voices, we are creating a platform that connects students with the broader space ecosystem. We are excited to see how this next cohort pushes the boundaries of innovation for India and beyond.”
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