New Delhi, 30th September
2025.
Viasat Inc., a global leader
in satellite communications, today announced Mayank Golechha from BITS Pilani
as the winner of its India edition of the Viasat: Space for Good 2025
initiative, a groundbreaking STEM innovation challenge for students.
Bhoomi Raiyani from Nirma University and Arunteja Jarupula from IIT Kanpur were
the runners-up in this highly competitive challenge.
Following the grand success in UK and US,
Viasat: Space for Good has come to India, encouraging young minds from
universities to use space technology to solve real-world problems and inspire
the next generation of space and telecom leaders. Mayank Golechha from Birla
Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani presented his winning concept
called ‘MagnoSat’, which proposed using a series of electromagnetic rings in
various orbits to accelerate satellites without traditional fuel.
In a video address, Shri
Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of
North Eastern Region said, "Space—the final
frontier—is now within mankind’s reach. You, the budding entrepreneurs with
your wonderful ideas and platforms, are bringing space much closer to us
through agriculture, education and more. Congratulations to all participants
and may you move from strength to strength and lead India’s flag as we move on
to become a developed nation.”
The winner will receive the first prize of
₹400,000, followed by 19-year-old Bhoomi Raiyani, from Nirma University, and
18-year-old Arunteja Jarupula, from IIT Kanpur, who won second and third place
prizes of ₹250,000 and ₹100,000 for their concepts, respectively. Bhoomi’s idea
named ‘Plasma Pathways’, focused on a future space communication concept, while
Arunteja’s project named ‘STELLAR’, proposed establishing orbital space
settlements to serve as manufacturing hubs.
Mayank Golecha, winner of the challenge said, “I am
deeply honored to be recognized by Viasat for the Space for Good challenge.
This opportunity has not only encouraged me to push the boundaries of my
creativity and technical skills but also reinforced my belief in the power of
space technology to create sustainable solutions for life on Earth. I hope my
project inspires others to explore innovative ideas that contribute to building
a better future for our planet and humanity."
Gautam Sharma, Managing Director of Viasat
India said, “We
are thrilled to witness the incredible ingenuity and passion showcased by young
minds in India through the Viasat: Space for Good 2025 initiative. This
competition is a testament to the vibrant innovation ecosystem here and the
critical role that space technology can play in solving real-world challenges.
At Viasat, we are proud to support and nurture these future leaders who are
driving sustainable advancements in space that will benefit not only India but
the entire world."
In a concluding keynote, Anil Kumar
Bhardwaj, DDG (SE), Department of Telecommunications said, “We are
living in a very happy time for young innovators willing to solve problems.
With strong support from government and industry, including companies like
Viasat, the youth of today have the opportunity to take their ideas from
concept to reality, especially in space and telecommunications. The ecosystem
is vibrant, funds are available and the government is ready to back
India-centric solutions that will transform connectivity and bring sustainable
advancements.”
The distinguished jury comprising of
industry experts included Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion
Directorate at IN-SPACe; Revathi Mannepalli, Joint Wireless Adviser, Ministry
of Communications, Govt. of India; Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General,
Indian Space Association (ISpA); Col. Ashwini Bhardwaj, Officer on Special
Duty, Ministry of External Affairs of India, Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder &
CEO, Skyroot Aerospace, Prabhat Dikshit, Deputy
Director General (SMC), Dept. of Telecommunications, Govt. of India; Ramesh
Soundararajan, Director, Engineering, Viasat; Sonali Nanda, Deputy Director in
Program Management and Authorisation Directorate, IN-SPACe.
The other 5 finalists, outside of the top
three including AbiramiVanniarajan from SASTRA, Priyam Ganguli from Thapar
Institute of Engineering & Technology, Aditya Kumar from Kalinga Institute
of Industrial Technology, Jagdish Nahak from Amity University, Aryan Shirke
from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology will receive an invitation to
participate in three additional Viasat mentor sessions (online) over six
months, to provide expertise around career tracks and help the students
understand career future in STEM and opportunities they can explore.
The event
featured a keynote address on "The New Space Age: Youth Perspective
on India's Space Renaissance" by Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, DDG SE,
Ministry of Communication.
Following this, a power packed panel with
theme "From Student to Space Entrepreneur: Building India's Space
Unicorns”, moderated by renowned media personality Mr. Pankaj Doval, panelist
included Mr. Pawan Chandana, Co-founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. Lt.
Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association. Mr.
Pankaj Sharma, Partner, EY. Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, IN-SPACe and
Rebecca Grattan, Chief People Office, Viasat.