Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: More companies are affiliating with K-Space, the Kerala government’s initiative aimed at promoting industries in space technology, defence, and related sectors.

At present, 68 companies have formally affiliated with K-Space, and efforts are underway to bring more such firms under its fold. These companies include both startups and established enterprises operating within major IT parks as well as outside them.

Together, the companies associated with K-Space have made investments worth ₹1,386 crore. They currently employ 5,800 professionals across different units, and their annual turnover stands at ₹873 crore. A majority of these firms have collaborations or contracts with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and other international space agencies.

HEX20, a Technopark-based company, recently launched its satellite ‘Nila’ through SpaceX. K-Space aims to onboard more firms engaged in such advanced space-tech initiatives.

Once the new K-Space headquarters at Technocity is completed, officials expect a further influx of companies. Partnerships with educational institutions to attract more talent into the space and aerospace sectors are also showing positive results, officials said.