NODWIN Gaming has announced the launch of SpaceFest, positioned as India’s first large-scale festival dedicated to space, science, innovation and space-inspired pop culture. The initiative is backed by the Government of Maharashtra and was announced at a press conference held at Trident, Mumbai, on August 26, 2026.
SpaceFest aims to bring together global space leaders, space-tech startups, policymakers, creators, students and space enthusiasts on a common platform that combines knowledge, innovation and entertainment.
The press conference was attended by Hon’ble Minister Dr. Uday Samant, Industries, Investment and Services Department; Dr. P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries, Investment & Services), Government of Maharashtra; Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, CEO of MIDC Mumbai; Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder and MD, Primus Partners India; and Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, who conceptualised the IP.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s space economy, SpaceFest is being developed as a platform to celebrate space exploration, innovation and discovery. It will also provide Maharashtra’s space-tech startups with opportunities to showcase their innovations, build partnerships and connect with global industry leaders and investors.
Speaking at the press conference, Guest of Honour Uday Samant said, “For me, space was always associated with missions like Chandrayaan and the achievements of ISRO and NASA. But SpaceFest has made me realise the immense interest and potential this sector holds, especially among India’s students and youth. I am proud that Maharashtra is taking the lead with this initiative. I propose that Space Fest be held in February, giving us more time to create employment opportunities and strengthen the ecosystem. Our vision is to position Maharashtra not only as a leader in India’s space sector, but as a global space hub. The space economy has the potential to generate lakhs of crores, and we are committed to bringing a significant share of this opportunity to Maharashtra. We will take every step necessary to make this vision a reality.”
Dr. P Anbalagan IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries, Investment & Services), Government of Maharashtra, unveiled the SpaceFest launch video and expressed his support for the initiative. He said, “Nearly 25% of India’s aerospace, defence and navigation systems are manufactured in Maharashtra, and the state is also the first to have an independent aerospace policy that includes space technology. With India’s space-tech sector currently valued at around $8.5–9 billion and projected to reach $100 billion by 2040, the opportunity is significant. For any sector to grow, it needs the right ecosystem of stakeholders, agencies, international institutions, R&D and capital. SpaceFest is not just a three-day event; it is the beginning of a larger journey for Maharashtra. It will help nurture new talent and create opportunities for young people who are passionate about the space sector. It is our responsibility to guide them, provide the right exposure and help them build careers in this growing industry.”
Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, CEO of MIDC Mumbai, said, “As a state, we want to position Maharashtra at the centre of India’s growing space ecosystem. We want to build a strong ecosystem where space-tech startups can grow, scale and access unique opportunities. MIDC is also driving this transformation by supporting the sector’s growth. Our focus is on better policies, stronger startup support and a robust innovation ecosystem. This is part of our larger vision, to create an environment where innovation and investment can thrive, and Maharashtra can emerge as a leading hub for the space sector.”
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said, “I truly believe India’s time has come. When I met Dr. P. Anbalagan and shared this idea, it immediately resonated with our shared vision of creating opportunities for young Indians to explore and build careers in the space sector. As the ecosystem grows, we will see more industries join, investments increase, and our young talent gain exposure and opportunities. Ultimately, this is about enabling our young people to shine alongside the nation’s growth. That has been the idea behind this initiative, and I am grateful to everyone here for supporting this mission. I am confident that we will see significant progress in India’s space ecosystem in the years ahead.”
Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder and MD, Primus Partners India, said, “I am delighted to be part of this mission. Space is no longer limited to government agencies, it is now a growing ecosystem that includes startups, entrepreneurs, students, AI, robotics, deep tech and much more. This is especially significant for Maharashtra. As a knowledge partner, we are committed to supporting the initiative and helping turn ambitious ideas into action. What excites me most is the possibility that 10–15 years from now, today’s children will look back at this moment and remember it as the beginning of something truly historic.”
NODWIN Gaming, with Primus Partners as its Knowledge Partner, plans to create an immersive festival featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions with leading figures from the Indian and global space ecosystems. The event will also feature policy announcements, international partnerships, MoU signings and showcases from space-tech startups.
Alongside the knowledge and business-focused programming, SpaceFest will include dedicated zones around sci-fi, gaming and space-inspired entertainment. The festival will feature celebrity appearances, fan engagement activities, investor interactions, student programmes, hands-on workshops, hardware exhibits, aerospace technology demonstrations and networking opportunities.
A dedicated school outreach programme and a college-level innovation challenge will also be conducted ahead of the main event, with the aim of encouraging young people to explore opportunities in the space sector.
The inaugural edition of SpaceFest will be held at Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. As part of the initiative, the Government of Maharashtra is also planning to install new permanent exhibits at the venue.
The Maharashtra Government is additionally planning to participate in international space-tech events to engage with global industry stakeholders and showcase the state’s vision and ambitions for the space-tech sector.
The launch comes at a time when India’s role in the global space ecosystem is expanding. NASA’s recent invitation to ISRO to participate in plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon, along with the Government’s policy push towards greater private participation in the space sector, provides a wider backdrop for the new festival.
Through SpaceFest, NODWIN Gaming and the Government of Maharashtra aim to bring together the people, ideas, technologies and opportunities shaping India’s next chapter in space.
