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NODWIN Gaming Launches SpaceFest in Maharashtra
NODWIN Gaming launches SpaceFest with Maharashtra Government to bring space, science, innovation and youth together through immersive experiences and programs.
SMEStreet Edit Desk27 Aug 2026
10:08IST
New Update
NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming and esports, announced the launch of SpaceFest during the press conference held at Trident, Mumbai. Backed by the Government of Maharashtra, it will be India’s first large-scale event dedicated to space, science, innovation and space-inspired pop culture, aiming to create a platform that brings knowledge and entertainment together.
The conference was attended by eminent guests including Hon’ble Minister Dr. Uday Samant, Industries, Investment and Services Department, Dr. P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries, Investment & Services) at Government of Maharashtra, Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, CEO of MIDC Mumbai alongwith Aarti Harbhajanka, Co-Founder and MD, Primus Partners India and Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, who conceptualised the IP.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s space economy and supported by the Government of Maharashtra, SpaceFest aims to be a flagship platform celebrating space exploration, innovation and discovery, while enabling Maharashtra’s space-tech startups to showcase innovations, forge partnerships and connect with global industry leaders and investors.
Guest of honor, Mr Uday Samant, at the press conference said, “For me, space was always associated with missions like Chandrayaan and the achievements of ISRO and NASA. But Space Fest 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.”
Key dignitary Dr. P Anbalagan IAS Principal Secretary (Industries, Investment & Services) at Government of Maharashtra, unveiled the SpaceFest launch video and expressed his support towards the initiative. He mentioned,, “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. Space Fest 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, further added, “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.”
Sharing his excitement about the launch, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, expressed, “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.”
The initiative by NODWIN Gaming, with Primus Partners as its Knowledge Partner, will offer immersive experiences, keynote addresses and panel discussions from leading figures in both the Indian and global space ecosystems, major policy announcements, international partnerships and MoU signings, and showcases from pioneering space-tech startups.
The festival will also feature dedicated zones celebrating sci-fi, gaming, and space-inspired entertainment, alongside celebrity appearances, fan engagement experiences, investor interactions, student-focused programs, hands-on workshops, hardware exhibits, aerospace technology demonstrations, and exclusive networking opportunities connecting industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
For the purpose to encourage students to explore more in this field, a dedicated school outreach programme and college-level innovation challenge will be conducted to lead-up to the main SpaceFest event.
NASA’s recent invitation to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to participate in its ambitious plans for a permanent human presence on the Moon underscores India’s growing stature as a global space power. This, combined with the Government’s progressive policy opening the sector to private participation, creates the perfect backdrop for SpaceFest to bring together the people, ideas and technologies shaping the country’s next chapter in space.
The inaugural edition will be held at Nehru Science Centre, with the Government of Maharashtra also planning to install new permanent exhibits at the venue as part of the initiative. Maha Government is also planning to visit international space-tech events to engage with global industry stakeholders and showcase the state’s space-tech vision and ambitions.
