Northeast can emerge as hub for space technology and innovation: Governor
Aug 27, 2026
The Northeast is poised to play a crucial role in India’s space technology journey by moving beyond being a user of space-based technologies to becoming a developer, testing ground and emerging commercial market for innovative space-enabled solutions, Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu said on Thursday.
The Governor was speaking at the Northeast India Space Workshop 2026, held at FREMAA, AWC, Guwahati, on the theme “Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach.” The workshop was organised by the Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India) in partnership with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC).
Highlighting the region’s unique geographical and developmental requirements, the Governor said space technology offers significant opportunities for transformative growth in areas such as public services, connectivity, agriculture, disaster management and sustainable development.
He said Tripura, along with the other northeastern states, was poised to move from the periphery to the forefront of India’s space technology journey. Science and technology, he added, can be harnessed to create solutions that are scalable, sustainable and transformative.
The Governor also highlighted Tripura’s achievement in launching the Northeast’s first Digital Forest Rights Act (FRA) Atlas, developed with the Tripura Space Applications Centre (TSAC) serving as the technology and knowledge partner.
Describing the initiative as more than a technological achievement, Nallu said it reflected the state’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and interests of tribal communities through scientific planning, technology-driven governance and inclusive development.
He further noted that geospatial and space-based technologies could enhance transparency, efficiency and informed decision-making in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
The workshop was organised as part of the National Space Day celebrations and sought to strengthen the Northeast’s contribution to India’s rapidly expanding New Space ecosystem. It brought together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, startups and international partners.
Discussions at the workshop focused on leveraging space-based applications to accelerate socio-economic development, improve public service delivery, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for the region’s youth.
