To stay aligned with global space industry trends and support Taiwan's efforts to establish a strong space industry, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs is organizing the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program as part of Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+). The program executed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to achieve three key objectives: attracting international SpaceTech startup talent to Taiwan, assisting Taiwan-based SpaceTech startups in exploring business opportunities and entering global markets, and fostering partnerships between enterprises and startups for international expansion.
TAcc+ collaborates with global startup accelerators and incubators to attract international talent and select foreign startups with mature technologies to bring to Taiwan. These startups receive support through orientation, networking opportunities, and exposure to Taiwan's thriving space industry and technology exhibitions. For 2024, the program focuses on startups involved in satellite manufacturing system integration, sensing and imaging technologies, and critical rocket manufacturing and launching components.
In this context, three international companies—Skyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDK—were invited to Taiwan for this year's program, where they shared their unique technological advantages and their expectations for potential collaboration with Taiwan's ICT industry. Skyroot Aerospace, based in India, provides affordable and flexible launch services through its Vikram series rockets, specializing in small satellite constellations for applications like Earth observation and communication. French company SpaceDreamS focuses on modular ground segment solutions with its NuPad platform, reducing costs for space access. Meanwhile, the Japanese startup IDDK specializes in micro-imaging technology with its compact Micro Imaging Device (MID), designed to provide cost-effective automated solutions for space biology experiments.
Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited
Founded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace is based in India. The company boasts a team of more than 300 people with over 2,000 years of combined experience in rocketry and aerospace engineering, specializing in propulsion systems, avionics, and systems engineering. Skyroot's mission is to democratize space access by developing affordable, reliable, and on-demand launch vehicles.
Skyroot's flagship product line, the Vikram series of rockets, caters to a variety of satellite sizes and payload capacities ranging from 200 kg to 1 ton, aimed at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) missions. Their Orbit Adjust Module (OAM) enhances flexibility by offering multi-ignition capabilities for precise orbit placement, making it adaptable to a range of satellite needs. Additionally, Skyroot incorporates 3D printing in its engine designs, significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Skyroot Aerospace's primary competitive edge lies in its cost-effective and customizable launch services. The use of advanced 3D-printed components and rapid manufacturing techniques reduces both production costs and turnaround times. Skyroot's strategic location in India provides an economic advantage with access to diverse launch trajectories.
In November 2022, Skyroot successfully launched Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, reaching suborbital space. This achievement not only showcased the reliability of their technology but also positioned Skyroot as a key player in the global space market.
Skyroot Aerospace's visit to Taiwan aims to explore the local space ecosystem, seeking collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese companies in areas like technology transfer and joint development. The company intends to build strategic partnerships with satellite manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies, focusing on cooperation in launch services and satellite missions. Additionally, Skyroot plans to assess market demand for its services in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, identifying avenues for expansion.
Skyroot explores space collaboration with Taiwan
During its visit to Taiwan, Skyroot's interactions with various organizations and companies have left it confident about future collaborations with Taiwan's evolving space industry. The company engaged in in-depth discussions with various Taiwanese institutions. Among these was the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), with whichSkyroot explored joint opportunities in satellite and launch vehicle advancements.
"TASA's ambitions for satellite and launchpad development are very impressive." Sireesh Pallikonda, Skyroot's VP of Business Development and Launch Services proposed its Vikram series of launch vehicles to meet Taiwan's satellite deployment needs, marking the potential for significant technological cooperation. He also underscored the strategic advantage of Taiwan's location for low-inclination orbit launches, positioning it as a potential regional space launch hub.
In addition to TASA, Skyroot met with leading Taiwanese universities, including National Central University (NCU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), to explore partnerships. Pallikonda mentioned that Skyroot is collaborating with NCU on two upcoming satellite launches scheduled for 2025, focusing on technology demonstration and studying ionizing radiation effects in space. In terms of Taiwan's industries, they met with local companies such as LETSCOM, DSME, Rapidtek, and LUXOR THERMAL, focusing on components that are less accessible in India, like advanced solar cells, semiconductor chips, and thermal protection systems. "We are exploring partnerships where we can find synergies and support each other."
SpaceDreamS SAS
Established in 2021 in Paris and Toulouse, SpaceDreamS is the brainchild of Christian Canart, a former aerospace engineer at the French space agency CNES with over two decades of experience. The company currently employs a team of 20, combining seasoned professionals from Thales, the French giant of aerospace/space, and the European "NewSpace" sector. SpaceDreamS specializes in designing modular spaceport infrastructure, providing turn-key ground solutions to streamline space launches.
SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing the ground segment of the space industry with its modular and interoperable platform, NuPad (Next-generation Universal Pad), which adapts to different spaceports and testing phases. This solution is designed for cost reduction, as it allows reusability of the infrastructure for multiple launches at various locations, thus reducing setup times and expenses. With support from CNES and the European Space Agency (ESA), SpaceDreamS aims to foster competitive advantages for European space actors through modular and cost-effective ground segment technologies.
The spaceports have historically been monopolies with limited innovation, high costs, and inefficiencies. SpaceDreamS tries to address the issues by offering reusable and transportable ground infrastructure. The company provides a compelling alternative that significantly reduces the cost and time associated with space access. Their solutions are highly scalable and designed to support varying launch needs from commercial entities to governmental bodies.
SpaceDreamS is a multiple winner of the France 2030 program, receiving support from national and European institutions.
SpaceDreamS looks for strategic partnerships in Taiwan's NewSpace industry
During its visit to Taiwan, SpaceDreamS would like to explore potential partnerships with local industries for manufacturing and software development and engage with universities in Taiwan for talent recruitment. They focus on establishing a presence in Taiwan by collaborating with local partners in the NewSpace sector. The company met with officials from the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and ITRI, where they introduced their advanced ground system solutions.
"The professionalism and dedication within Taiwan's space industry are impressive," Maxence Bousard-Mitout, Business Development and Finance Manager at SpaceDreamS expressed appreciation for TASA's capabilities in satellite design and manufacturing. Through these initial discussions, SpaceDreamS aims to leverage Taiwanese expertise to enhance its space services.
SpaceDreamS also connected with Taiwan's academic sector, including the Advanced Rocket
Research Center (ARRC) of NYCU, to explore future collaboration possibilities in aerospace technology. "The ARRC team's ongoing projects in satellite telemetry are impressive, as they blend research with practical industry applications, fostering an environment of innovation," Bousard-Mitout said.
SpaceDreamS also focused on identifying industry partners for specialized components and technical support. The company was particularly interested in collaborating with DarShengMechanical Engineering (DSME) and Letscom. "The flexible approach of Taiwan's industry and its willingness to work with startups like ours is remarkable," Bousard-Mitout observed. SpaceDreamS aims to secure high-quality materials and testing facilities, thereby enhancing its position in the Asian space industry by establishing partnerships with these companies.
IDDK Co., Ltd
Founded in 2017, the Japanese startup, IDDK, is led by a team of experts in semiconductor technologies, space industry veterans, and business strategists. Its core solution is known as the Micro Imaging Device (MID), a semiconductor-based one-chip micro-imaging technology designed for versatile environments, including space. This semiconductor-based imaging solution eliminates the need for optical lenses, making it compact, lightweight, and highly adaptable, becoming an ideal tool for conducting space biology experiments via satellite platforms.
One of the major limitations of current space biology research is the reliance on the International Space Station (ISS), where experiments are costly and require long preparation times. IDDK's MID technology addresses these challenges by providing an automated, cost-effective, and frequent alternative to ISS-based research. This allows for frequent and cost-effective experiments leveraging the conditions of microgravity and space radiation, thereby driving innovations that are challenging to achieve on Earth, in areas such as drug development, regenerative medicine, and aging studies.
The company's technology stands out not only for its innovative design but also for its ability to operate in unmanned satellite environments, eliminating the need for astronauts to manually adjust and monitor experiments. This opens the door to a broader range of research opportunities, making space-based biological research more accessible and scalable. Additionally, MID's patented design and its capability to perform under harsh space conditions give IDDK a strong position in the competitive landscape.
IDDK's MID technology has successfully been developed and tested on Earth, setting the stage for its deployment in space. Its initial go-to-market strategy focuses on collaborating with research
institutions and public agencies already engaged in space biology and providing them with a one-stop service from experiment design to execution. For the global market, IDDK plans to expand into the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetics sectors, leveraging partnerships with satellite providers and targeting markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. They just signed an MOU with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, demonstrating the commitment to global expansion and the increasing demand for space biology platforms.
Oct. 9 Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop at National Central University (NCU). Professor Loren Chang from the Space Science and Engineering department (row 1, seventh from the left). Skyroot (row 2, fifth from the right), SpaceDreamS (row 2, fifth from the left), IDDK (row 2, fourth from the right). Credit: TAcc+
IDDK's examination of Taiwan's space tech ecosystem and potential collaborations
For their visit to Taiwan, IDDK's team aims to explore partnership opportunities with local space and tech companies, research institutions, and potential investors, expand IDDK's presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and establish collaborations that can accelerate the adoption of their space biology platforms. They also seek to understand Taiwan's SpaceTech ecosystem and identify synergies that align with their mission to make space-based research more accessible, cost-effective, and frequent. IDDK also hopes to engage with local stakeholders to showcase the potential of MID technology and its applications in advancing space biology and related fields.
Kohei Yoshioka, the Co-CEO & CFO of IDDK was impressed by Taiwan's advancements in space technology and its collaborative potential during the visit to TASA. Mr. Yoshioka from IDDK remarked that "engagement with TASA provided key insights into how government support in Taiwan fosters innovation in space technology." Through these interactions, IDDK saw how Taiwan's initiatives in satellite-based applications and microgravity research could align with its vision for microgravity experimentation, opening avenues for future collaboration. "We will continue discussions and explore how our platform can benefit Taiwan."
In terms of exchanges with Taiwan's academic community, Mr. Yoshioka exchanged ideas with top researchers from National Central University (NCU) by participating in the International SpaceTech Startup Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop. "Our discussions highlighted the academic interest in utilizing space environments for biological and pharmaceutical research," he noted. Taiwan's researchers expressed a strong demand for accessible and frequent microgravity experimentation, aligning with IDDK's mission to democratize space-based research. This synergy has set the foundation for a promising partnership focused on aging and drug development research.
As for the collaboration opportunities with Taiwan's industry, Mr. Yoshioka mentioned that "Taiwan's satellite manufacturing sector combined with our bio-research technology can pave the way for joint product development." Additionally, he expressed interest in collaborating with companies for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and commercializing space-based research. IDDK is looking forward to understanding more of Taiwan's ecosystem, reinforcing its interest in establishing a local presence, and deepening connections within Asia's rapidly growing space industry.
Summary
Skyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDK are at the forefront of reshaping the space industry. Skyroot's innovative launch vehicles cater to a wide range of satellite operators with flexible and cost-effective solutions. SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing ground infrastructure with its modular spaceport designs, while IDDK offers biological experiment platforms in low earth orbit, leveraging its proprietary MID technology. Together, these companies are driving the next generation of space services.