Key Highlights

Madhya Pradesh is preparing to take a major leap in space technology. At the Madhya Pradesh Tech Growth Conclave 2.0 held on 13 November 2025 in Indore, Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies proposed building Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in collaboration with the state government. This project will be based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will significantly enhance digital data transfer speeds in the state.

This ambitious conclave received investment proposals worth ₹15,896 crore, which will create 64,085 new jobs. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that a 2,000-acre Knowledge and AI City will be developed in Bhopal, transforming Madhya Pradesh into India’s AI hub.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites: Technical Details

What are LEO satellites?

Low Earth Orbit satellites are placed at an altitude of 200 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These satellites orbit much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, which operate at a distance of about 35,000 kilometers.

Key Features of LEO Satellites

Low Latency

Because LEO satellites are closer to Earth, they provide extremely low latency between 2ms to 27ms. This makes them ideal for real-time communication, online gaming, video conferencing, and telemedicine.

High Data Transfer Speed

LEO satellites can deliver download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 195 Mbps. Some advanced LEO constellations, like Starlink, can provide speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Low Energy Consumption

LEO satellites require less energy and lower-power amplifiers to launch and operate. Their production cost is also lower compared to GEO satellites.

High-Resolution Imaging

Because they orbit closer to Earth, LEO satellites can capture high-resolution images, useful for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agriculture.

Applications and Benefits of LEO Satellites

Improving Digital Communication

LEO satellites simplify and accelerate communication services such as email, video conferencing, paging, and data communication. They can provide high-speed broadband to remote and rural regions where fiber networks are unavailable.

Major Application Areas

Education and Health

AR/VR-based learning content, online classes, telemedicine, and robotic surgeries will become more accessible. Ananth Technologies' Ka-band high-throughput satellite is specifically designed for the education and health sectors.

Agriculture & IoT

LEO satellites will improve smart farming, IoT connectivity, and real-time data collection.

Transport & Defence

Aviation and marine communication, autonomous vehicles, and defence networks will gain reliable connectivity.

Disaster Management

During natural disasters, when land-based networks fail, LEO satellites ensure uninterrupted communication.

Ananth Technologies: A Leader in Indian Space Manufacturing

Company Overview

Ananth Technologies Limited was founded in 1992 by Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri. Headquartered in Hyderabad, it is one of India’s first private-sector space companies. The company has 1,600+ employees working in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Major Achievements

Ananth Technologies has contributed to several major Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-2, the Mars Orbiter Mission, and Astrosat. It also manufactured satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

In February 2020, the company opened a new satellite manufacturing facility in the Devanahalli Aerospace Park in Bengaluru. It became the first Indian private company to secure a contract to build six satellites weighing between 50 kg and 250 kg for customers in France and Sweden.

Recent Developments

In September 2025, under the Indian Space Policy 2023, Ananth Technologies became the first private Indian satellite operator to provide geostationary (GSO) communication satellites. Authorized by IN-SPACe, the company is developing Ka-band high-throughput satellites for the education and healthcare sectors.

Madhya Pradesh Tech Growth Conclave 2.0: Detailed Overview

Conclave Overview

The conclave was held on 13 November 2025 at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore. The theme of the event was “Powering Tier-2, Propelling India.” Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the event.

Major Outcomes

A total of 68 activities were conducted, including inaugurations, bhoomi pujan ceremonies, allotment letters, MoUs, policies, and portal launches. The Chief Minister issued Letters of Intent (LOI) to nine companies for land allotment, amounting to an investment of ₹10.61 crore and generating 740 new jobs.

Seven new MoUs were signed, attracting approximately ₹800 crore of investment and creating 10,500 new job opportunities.

Investments in Drones and Semiconductors

Representatives from Thomson Semiconductors, including Srinivasan Ananth, discussed a ₹5,000 crore investment proposal. This investment may come to Pithampur, where an additional ₹5,432 crore investment is already proposed.

Madhya Pradesh also launched its Drone Promotion and Use Policy 2025, offering:

40% capital investment subsidy

25% lease rent subsidy

R&D grant up to ₹2 crore

The state aims for ₹370 crore investment and 8,000 jobs in the drone sector over the next five years.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: Structure and Significance

What is PPP?

Public-Private Partnership is a collaborative framework where the government partners with private entities to deliver public services or infrastructure. It enables resource sharing, risk distribution, and expertise exchange.

Key PPP Models

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)

The private partner designs, builds, and operates the project for a contractual period, then transfers it back to the public sector. Many NHAI national highway projects are built using this model.

Build-Own-Operate (BOO)

The private partner builds, owns, and operates the project.

Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)

Both the government and private sector share financial responsibility.

Benefits of PPP

The government often lacks sufficient funds for large projects. PPP helps combine public and private financing. India has executed more than 1,800 PPP projects across transportation, energy, and urban development, with cumulative investments exceeding ₹24 lakh crore.

Under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme, social sector infrastructure projects receive up to 30% VGF support.

Future of LEO Satellites in India

ISRO’s Plans

Nilesh Desai, Director of ISRO’s Satellite Applications Centre, stated that India has already worked on a constellation of 140 satellites to meet urban broadband requirements immediately. Over the next 15 years, ISRO plans to launch 103 operational satellites and 16 technology demonstrator satellites.

Private Sector Role

India has over 200 emerging spacetech startups, including Pixxel, Dhruva Space, and Skyroot. They are developing launch vehicles, Earth-observation satellites, and real-time space data analytics.

The Indian Space Policy 2023 allows 100% FDI in satellite manufacturing and provides a clear framework for private participation. IN-SPACe has received more than 658 applications in areas including satellite development and deep space exploration.

Global Competition

SpaceX operates over 6,000 LEO satellites, while OneWeb and Telesat also manage major constellations. India needs to compete globally. India’s LEO satellite market is projected to reach INR 13 billion by 2025.

Madhya Pradesh’s Technological Ambitions

AI & Knowledge City

The Chief Minister announced that a world-class 2,000-acre Knowledge and AI City will be developed in Bhopal. It will host global-standard institutions, research centers, and startup ecosystems.

Twenty-five acres will be allotted for the Science City Project, dedicated to building world-class facilities for science, innovation, and technological research.

Drone Data Repository

The Chief Minister launched the Drone Data Repository to promote drone-based data usage in land management, urban planning, forest conservation, irrigation, and disaster management.

Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

More than 30 GCCs participated in the conclave, focusing on establishing Madhya Pradesh as a preferred destination for GCCs. The state’s progressive policies, strong infrastructure, investor-friendly environment, and skilled workforce are attracting global investors.

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

UPSC Relevance

Science & Technology – GS Paper 3

Topics such as LEO satellite technology, GEO vs LEO comparison, and private sector participation under Space Policy 2023 are important.

Indian Economy – GS Paper 3

The PPP model, its structure, benefits, challenges, and Kelkar Committee recommendations are frequently asked.

Current Affairs & Regional Development

Madhya Pradesh’s tech developments, Drone Policy 2025, Tech Growth Conclave outcomes, and investment strategies are significant for state and union exams.

Other Competitive Exams

MPPSC

Highly relevant as it directly relates to state development initiatives.

Banking & SSC

Regular questions on space technology, Digital India initiatives, and tech innovations.

Defence Exams (NDA, CDS)

Important for satellite-based defence communication, security, and strategic space technology.

Important Facts to Remember

LEO satellite altitude: 200–2,000 km

Latency: 2ms–27ms

Data speed: 25–195 Mbps (up to 1 Gbps for some constellations)

Ananth Technologies founded: 1992

Tech Conclave 2.0 Investment: ₹15,896 crore, 64,085 jobs

India’s LEO plan: 140-satellite constellation

Drone Policy Subsidy: 40% capital subsidy, up to ₹30 crore

PPP VGF: Up to 30% support for social projects

Madhya Pradesh’s initiative will not only elevate the state as a technology hub but also significantly contribute to India’s digital transformation and the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.