New Delhi, 30th September 2025: Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, today announced Mayank Golechha from BITS Pilani as the winner of its India edition of the Viasat: Space for Good 2025 initiative, a groundbreaking STEM innovation challenge for students. Bhoomi Raiyani from Nirma University and Arunteja Jarupula from IIT Kanpur were the runners-up in this highly competitive challenge.
Following the grand success in UK and US, Viasat: Space for Good has come to India, encouraging young minds from universities to use space technology to solve real-world problems and inspire the next generation of space and telecom leaders. Mayank Golechha from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani presented his winning concept called MagnoSat, which proposed using a series of electromagnetic rings in various orbits to accelerate satellites without traditional fuel.
In a video address, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region said, “Space—the final frontier—is now within mankind’s reach. You, the budding entrepreneurs with your wonderful ideas and platforms, are bringing space much closer to us through agriculture, education and more. Congratulations to all participants and may you move from strength to strength and lead India’s flag as we move on to become a developed nation.”
The winner will receive the first prize of ₹400,000, followed by 19-year-old Bhoomi Raiyani, from Nirma University, and 18-year-old Arunteja Jarupula, from IIT Kanpur, who won second and third place prizes of ₹250,000 and ₹100,000 for their concepts, respectively. Bhoomi’s idea named ‘Plasma Pathways’, focused on a future space communication concept, while Arunteja’s project named ‘STELLAR’, proposed establishing orbital space settlements to serve as manufacturing hubs.
Mayank Golechha, winner of the challenge said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized by Viasat for the Space for Good challenge. This opportunity has not only encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creativity and technical skills but also reinforced my belief in the power of space technology to create sustainable solutions for life on Earth. I hope my project inspires others to explore innovative ideas that contribute to building a better future for our planet and humanity.”
Gautam Sharma, Managing Director of Viasat India said, “We are thrilled to witness the incredible ingenuity and passion showcased by young minds in India through the Viasat: Space for Good 2025 initiative. This competition is a testament to the vibrant innovation ecosystem here and the critical role that space technology can play in solving real-world challenges. At Viasat, we are proud to support and nurture these future leaders who are driving sustainable advancements in space that will benefit not only India but the entire world.”
In a concluding keynote, Anil Kumar Bhardwaj, DDG (SE), Department of Telecommunications said, “We are living in a very happy time for young innovators willing to solve problems. With strong support from government and industry, including companies like Viasat, the youth of today have the opportunity to take their ideas from concept to reality, especially in space and telecommunications. The ecosystem is vibrant, funds are available and the government is ready to back India-centric solutions that will transform connectivity and bring sustainable advancements.”
The distinguished jury comprising of industry experts included Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe; Revathi Mannepalli, Joint Wireless Adviser, Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India; Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (Retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA); Col. Ashwini Bhardwaj, Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of External Affairs of India, Pawan Chandana, Co-Founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace, Prabhat Dikshit, Deputy Director General (SMC), Dept. of Telecommunications, Govt. of India; Ramesh Soundararajan, Director, Engineering, Viasat; Sonali Nanda, Deputy Director in Program Management and Authorisation Directorate, IN-SPACe.
The other 5 finalists, outside of the top three including Abirami Vanniarajan from SASTRA, Priyam Ganguli from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Aditya Kumar from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Jagdish Nahak from Amity University, Aryan Shirke from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology will receive an invitation to participate in three additional Viasat mentor sessions (online) over six months, to provide expertise around career tracks and help the students understand career future in STEM and opportunities they can explore.
The event featured a keynote address on “The New Space Age: Youth Perspective on India’s Space Renaissance” by Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, DDG SE, Ministry of Communication.
Following this, a power packed panel with theme “From Student to Space Entrepreneur: Building India’s Space Unicorns”, moderated by renowned media personality Mr. Pankaj Doval, panelist included Mr. Pawan Chandana, Co-founder and CEO, Skyroot Aerospace. Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), Director General, Indian Space Association. Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Partner, EY. Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, IN-SPACe and Rebecca Grattan, Chief People Office, Viasat.
