Google Invests in Bengaluru-based Satellite-Image Startup 'Pixxel' to Revolutionize Agriculture Sector

In a significant development for the Indian space sector, Alphabet Inc's Google has participated in a $36 million funding round for Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based satellite-image startup. This marks the first major investment in the Indian space industry since the government introduced its privatisation policy in April. Pixxel, founded in 2019, aims to create a constellation of satellites capable of analyzing spectral signatures in images to identify mineral deposits and assess crop productivity.

Pixxel has already garnered prominent clients such as mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd and Australian agritech company DataFarming. The startup has successfully raised over $71 million from investors, including Accenture PLC. Although the exact valuation was not disclosed, Pixxel's Founder and CEO, Awais Ahmed, expressed confidence that the investment would elevate the company to become India's most valued space tech firm.

Google's investment in Pixxel was made through its India Digitalisation Fund, which focuses on supporting startups based in India. Ahmed explained that Pixxel's expertise in satellite data analytics, combined with Google's extensive work in agriculture and environmental initiatives, presented a mutually beneficial partnership opportunity.

Pixxel is among several private companies seeking growth opportunities following the Indian government's liberalization of the space sector. Startups are encouraged to contribute to the delivery of broadband services, such as Starlink, and support applications like supply chain tracking. The government's private-sector space policy framework, unveiled in April, has provided a conducive environment for such ventures.

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The funding injection arrives at a time when startups globally are facing fundraising challenges, with space startups experiencing additional pressure following the bankruptcy of Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit launch company. Ahmed stated that the funds raised would primarily be utilized to expand Pixxel's satellite network. The company is preparing to launch six additional satellites next year, supplementing the existing three, and intends to hire more engineers to enhance its analytics capabilities.

Pixxel's journey began when Ahmed and co-founder Kshitij Khandelwal visited Elon Musk's SpaceX as part of a student competition to develop a demonstration "hyperloop" transport pod. Inspired by the experience, they embarked on building an AI model capable of predicting crop yields, identifying illegal mining activities, and monitoring natural disasters using satellite data. Recognizing the limitations of existing commercial satellite imagery, Pixxel adopted hyperspectral imaging, enabling a comprehensive analysis of a broad spectrum of light instead of conventional primary color assignment to pixels.

The investment from Google reflects the growing importance of satellite technology in revolutionizing agriculture. Pixxel's advancements hold the potential to empower farmers with accurate insights into crop health, aiding in resource management and optimizing yields. With Google's support, Pixxel is poised to drive innovation in the agriculture sector, contributing to India's agricultural growth and sustainability.

As Pixxel continues to expand its satellite network and refine its analytics capabilities, the agriculture sector can anticipate significant advancements in precision farming, environmental monitoring, and natural disaster management, ultimately promoting sustainable and efficient agricultural practices across India.

source- The Print

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