NODWIN Gaming launches SpaceFest, India’s first space and sci-fi festival

Mumbai: Space is getting a little more crowded, in a good way. NODWIN Gaming has announced SpaceFest, billed as India’s first large-scale festival dedicated to space, science, innovation and space-inspired pop culture, with backing from the Government of Maharashtra.

Announced at a press conference in Mumbai, the festival aims to bring together space-tech startups, policymakers, global industry leaders, creators, students and enthusiasts on a single platform combining scientific knowledge with entertainment.

The initiative is being developed with the vision of creating a flagship platform for India’s growing space economy, while giving Maharashtra-based space-tech startups an opportunity to showcase their innovations, build partnerships and connect with investors and international stakeholders.

The launch event was attended by Maharashtra industries, investment and services minister Uday Samant, principal secretary of the industries, investment and services department P Anbalagan, CEO of MIDC Mumbai Deependra Singh Kushwah, Primus Partners India co-founder and managing director Aarti Harbhajanka and NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee.

Samant said the initiative had highlighted the level of interest among India’s students and young people in the space sector and proposed that SpaceFest be held in February to allow more time to develop employment opportunities and strengthen the ecosystem.

Maharashtra industries, investment and services minister Uday Samant said, “I am proud that Maharashtra is taking the lead with this initiative. 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.”

The state government is positioning SpaceFest as more than a standalone event. It wants the platform to help connect startups, research institutions, investors, international organisations and talent while creating greater visibility for Maharashtra’s space-tech capabilities.

Government of Maharashtra, principal secretary, industries, investment and services, P Anbalagan said, “Nearly 25 per cent 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.”

He added that India’s space-tech sector is currently valued at around $8.5 billion to $9 billion and is projected to reach $100 billion by 2040. According to Anbalagan, the festival is intended to help build the ecosystem needed to support that growth.

Government of Maharashtra, CEO, MIDC Mumbai, Deependra Singh Kushwah 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.”

NODWIN Gaming is developing the initiative with Primus Partners India as its knowledge partner. The festival will feature keynote sessions and panel discussions involving Indian and international space leaders, alongside policy announcements, international partnerships, MoU signings and showcases from space-tech startups.

NODWIN Gaming, co-founder and managing director, Akshat Rathee 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.”

SpaceFest will also look beyond rockets and satellites. Dedicated zones will focus on sci-fi, gaming and space-inspired entertainment, alongside celebrity appearances, fan experiences and investor interactions.

The festival will include student programmes, hands-on workshops, hardware exhibits, aerospace technology demonstrations and networking opportunities connecting entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders.

Primus Partners India, co-founder and managing director, Aarti Harbhajanka said, “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.”

A school outreach programme and college-level innovation challenge will also precede the main event, with the aim of encouraging more students to explore careers and opportunities in the space sector.

The inaugural edition is planned at the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai. The Government of Maharashtra is also planning to install new permanent exhibits at the venue as part of the initiative.

The state government plans to participate in international space-tech events as well, using those platforms to engage global industry stakeholders and showcase Maharashtra’s space-sector ambitions.

Against the backdrop of India’s growing private space industry and increasing international collaboration, SpaceFest is positioning itself as a bridge between science and spectacle, with the larger ambition of turning curiosity about space into talent, businesses and opportunities on the ground.