Viasat Launches Space for Good India Challenge 2026 with Nationwide Applications

New Delhi, 10 June, 2026: Viasat Inc., a global satellite communications company, has launched the 2026 Viasat: Space for Good India Challenge, its global STEM initiative aimed at encouraging university students to develop sustainable space solutions that improve life on Earth.

The programme follows the initiative's 2025 debut in India. Viasat reported that 93% of participants in the previous edition saw increased awareness of space and telecommunications careers, alongside a 53.45% rise in interest in space-related careers and a 32.2% increase in confidence about future job prospects.

The competition will run across three phases. Phase 1, the written submission, runs from June 8 to July 19, 2026. Phase 2, a three-minute digital submission, runs from August 3 to August 23, 2026. Phase 3, finalist presentation preparation, opens on September 7, 2026. Finals Week is scheduled for October 24 to October 27, 2026, with final presentations and awards on October 27, 2026.

From the initial pool, 30 students will advance to Phase 2, and six finalists will be selected to present their ideas to a panel of industry experts. Each finalist will be paired with a Viasat mentor to refine their solution ahead of the final presentation.

The challenge invites participants to explore how space technology can improve life on Earth, across areas such as equitable and sustainable access to space, direct-to-device (D2D), Internet of Things (IoT), multi-orbit constellations, and disaster and humanitarian response.

The winners will receive cash prizes of ₹5,00,000 for first place, ₹3,75,000 for second place, and ₹2,75,000 for third place.

Gautam Sharma, Managing Director, India at Viasat said, "The response to last year's program in India exceeded our expectations, showcasing the incredible ingenuity and ambition of students across the country. With the return of Viasat: Space for Good in 2026, we are building on that strong foundation—expanding opportunities for students to explore bold ideas that can transform space technologies while addressing real-world challenges. By bringing together partners, expert judges, and industry voices, we are creating a platform that connects students with the broader space ecosystem. We are excited to see how this next cohort pushes the boundaries of innovation for India and beyond."