Startup discovery platform Ideabaaz has acquired a 25 per cent strategic stake in KickSky Space Lab, a venture capital-backed SpaceTech accelerator, as the two organisations announced plans to strengthen support for DeepTech and SpaceTech startups through investments, mentorship and global market access.
The partnership, announced during Ideabaaz's side event at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, aims to facilitate investments of around USD 10–15 million in emerging SpaceTech ventures globally while building a broader ecosystem for frontier technology startups.
According to the companies, the collaboration is designed to address key challenges faced by DeepTech startups, including access to specialised industry networks, strategic partnerships, growth capital and international markets. The initiative will focus on sectors such as SpaceTech, aerospace, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, climate technology and defence innovation.
Under the partnership, startups from the Ideabaaz network will gain access to KickSky's ecosystem of investors, industry experts, research institutions and strategic partners. In turn, companies supported by KickSky will benefit from Ideabaaz's nationwide founder network, investor outreach, media visibility and startup discovery platform.
KickSky Space Lab was co-founded by Riceberg Ventures, E2MC Ventures and Aniara Space to support the growth of India's SpaceTech ecosystem through funding opportunities, industry partnerships and engagement with government and international stakeholders.
Speaking on the partnership, Ideabaaz Co-Founder Mudit Kumar said India has a strong pipeline of entrepreneurial talent, but many founders require better access to networks, visibility and growth opportunities to compete globally. He said the collaboration aims to provide DeepTech entrepreneurs across the country with the ecosystem needed to scale their innovations internationally.
Ankit Anand, Co-Founder of KickSky Space Lab and Founding Partner at Riceberg Ventures, said India could emerge as a global DeepTech leader by combining capital with stronger innovation ecosystems that help commercialise scientific research and technology.
Raphael Roettgen, Managing Partner at E2MC Ventures, said the performance of KickSky's initial accelerator cohorts had reinforced confidence in India's ability to produce globally competitive SpaceTech companies. He added that the partnership with Ideabaaz would help expand support for future founders.
The companies said the collaboration comes at a time when the global space economy is expanding, creating opportunities for startups developing technologies in areas such as communications, mobility, security, intelligence and space exploration.
The partnership is expected to focus on connecting Indian innovators with global investors, research institutions and commercial markets while supporting the growth of frontier technology ventures. |
