New Delhi, March 09, 2026: Pixxel, a planetary intelligence company building advanced hyperspectral imaging satellites, has announced the launch of Shakuntala Grants, a new initiative aimed at supporting women researchers working on environmental and climate-related projects. The announcement was made on the occasion of International Women’s Day, marking the beginning of the company’s broader Shakuntala Initiative to expand opportunities for women in STEM through funding, knowledge sharing and community-building.
Through a partnership with Escape Velocity Grants, run by Aakanksha Gaur and Paras Chopra, Pixxel will offer micro-grants to women researchers working on climate resilience and environmental research. The grants are designed to support activities such as fieldwork, pilot studies, data collection, equipment purchases and exploratory research. The programme seeks to address funding gaps that often affect early-career researchers and independent practitioners working on ground-level environmental challenges.
Pixxel is also collaborating with Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust, a non-profit recognised by ISRO as an official Space Tutor, to promote STEM learning among students through its Spark of Curiosity programme. The initiative has already reached more than 7 million government school students across India and focuses on immersive science education through science kits, digital planetarium shows and interactive learning modules. As part of this collaboration, the programme will be implemented at GMPGS Devanahalli Middle School, extending experiential STEM learning opportunities for girls.
Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO, and Tanya Pallavi, Head of People Practices, Pixxel, said, “The future of science and technology can only be truly inclusive if women shape it at every level, from classrooms to research labs to leadership roles. At Pixxel, nearly 48% of our leadership roles are currently held by women, and the Shakuntala Grants build on that commitment, expanding opportunities for women to lead work that advances critical knowledge about our planet.”
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director Promotions, IN-SPACe, said, "The launch of the Shakuntala Initiative by Pixxel is a commendable step toward bridging the gender gap in India’s rapidly evolving space sector. At IN-SPACe, we believe that the next frontier of space innovation—especially in critical areas like climate change and environmental monitoring—will be defined by the talent and perspectives of our women researchers. By providing targeted funding and community support, this initiative not only honours the legacy of trailblazers like Shakuntala Devi but also empowers the next generation of women to lead India’s space-tech revolution from the front."
Aakanksha Gaur and Paras Chopra, Escape Velocity Grants, said, “A small, timely grant can be the difference between a research idea staying on paper and actually reaching the field. Through Shakuntala Grants, we're hoping to back women researchers at exactly that inflexion point, where belief and a little resourcing can unlock something lasting.”
Dinesh Badagandi, Trustee, Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust, said, “We are delighted to partner with Pixxel under the Shakuntala Grants to expand STEM learning opportunities for girls in government schools. Pixxel’s commitment to empowering women and nurturing scientific curiosity at an early stage is truly inspiring. Through our Spark of Curiosity programme, this collaboration will bring hands-on science experiences, space education, and practical learning tools to young girls, encouraging them to dream bigger and pursue futures in STEM.”
The initiative draws inspiration from the name Shakuntala, which holds significance in Pixxel’s journey. It was the name of the company’s first pathfinder satellite and also pays tribute to mathematician Shakuntala Devi, as well as the mythological figure Shakuntala, mother of Bharat. Through the broader Shakuntala Initiative, Pixxel plans to continue advancing programmes that support women researchers and promote greater participation of women in STEM fields.
x
