The Indian space sector is undergoing a seismic shift, and it’s not just about ISRO’s headline-grabbing missions anymore. A new breed of startups is storming the gates, fueled by progressive space policies that have opened the floodgates for private players. These aren’t your average tech startups; they’re building rockets, deploying satellites, and crafting high-tech Earth observation systems. The sky’s the limit, quite literally, and these companies are reaching for it.
One such startup making waves is PierSight, a satellite company with its eyes firmly fixed on the oceans. Founded by Gaurav Seth and Vinit Bansal, PierSight is on a mission to transform satellites into powerful tools for sea-level intelligence. Their journey began at ISRO, where they honed their skills and shared a passion for space tech. “I always wanted to start something in space tech,” Seth said, echoing the sentiment of many in India’s burgeoning space startup scene.
But why the maritime focus? Traditional methods of ocean monitoring—helicopters, aircraft, speedboats—just can’t keep up with the coverage and efficiency of satellites. “A satellite can cover 400 square kilometres every second. No other method can cover that,” Seth explained. This realisation, coupled with extensive market research, led them to the maritime sector.
PierSight’s first major milestone was the Varuna mission, a proof-of-capability project for their Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system. Unlike optical satellites, SAR can operate day and night, rain or shine, making it ideal for round-the-clock ocean monitoring. The Varuna programme had two parts: a space-based validation on ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform and a ground-based trial via drones. This dual-track approach brought their technology to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, establishing confidence in their hardware and team.
But PierSight isn’t just about hardware; it’s about smart software too. Their MATSYA platform uses AI to make SAR data accessible and actionable. “It’s an AI-driven software with a human language variable system,” Bansal explained. This means users don’t need to understand the tech; they just need to know what they’re looking for. The platform focuses on oil spills, maritime applications, vessel detection, and classification, providing “situational awareness” to address issues like dark ships, illegal fishing, and maritime pollution.
The startup’s reach is expanding rapidly, with collaborations with the Singapore government, global NGOs like Global Fishing Watch, and active projects with the Indian and US coast guards. They’re even working on tracking the ESG score of ships, understanding their routes and arrival times.
PierSight is pushing the boundaries of AI and compute in space. Their upcoming satellites will have onboard intelligence, allowing real-time detection of events directly from space. “Eventually, from the second and third satellite onwards, we are going to have full edge compute,” Bansal shared. This means real-time detection of events like illegal shipping or oil spills, with information relayed via internet in space or an AIS transmitter.
However, working with SAR data isn’t without its challenges. “SAR is counterintuitive because our eyes see in optical. Our eyes don’t see microwaves,” Seth pointed out. The solution? AI. “We’re trying to solve that by incorporating AI, so that SAR data adoption is widespread.”
PierSight has also forged a strategic partnership with New Zealand-based Pinpoint Earth, combining their SAR imaging capabilities with real-time vessel tracking. In recognition of its innovative approach to ocean sustainability, the startup was selected for the Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024, offering lifetime support, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
Looking ahead, PierSight plans to expand to new sectors, like land subsidence. They’re complying with observation policies and keeping data privacy tight. “Our data is coarser than 30 centimetres GSD, which will not require any stringent approvals,” Bansal assured. Despite policy hurdles, like inconsistent implementation of 0% customs duty for satellite components, PierSight remains focused. “We are complying with the observation policies of India and the US, and we seek the law of the land if we are imaging near the coast,” Bansal said.
The maritime industry is on the cusp of a satellite revolution, and PierSight is at the forefront. Their work could reshape how we monitor and manage our oceans, from tracking illegal fishing to detecting oil spills. But it’s not just about the tech; it’s about the people behind it. PierSight’s team, drawn from ISRO’s talent pool and enriched by programmes run by IN-SPACe, is