BENGALURU: Indian Space Research Organisation ( Isro ) plans to set up incubators to groom space startups that build newer solutions in rocketry, communication satellites and applications from remote sensing data that could be exploited commercially and create a strong local commercial space ecosystem in the country.So far, Isro through its commercial arm Antrix Corp has engaged with several startups including Bellatrix Aerospace , a company that builds electric propulsion systems for satellites; Aniara Communications and Exseed Space to be part of a private consortium to assemble, integrate and test communication and remote sensing satellites and Satsure, an agri analytics company.As it embraces more private companies, Isro is looking at incubating startups that would build applications; offer services and products which it can use internally and help them scale so that these firms can exploit opportunities globally. “We are looking at multiple models for the incubators. Start (an incubator) on our own or engage existing technology incubators to groom these startups under Isro supervision,” K Sivan, chairman of Isro told ET.He said the agency could pick stake in the startups but a model is being finalised. It plans to open incubators in six cities, likely near Isro centres spread nationally. Kerala, where Isro’s rocket research facility is located, has already expressed interest in an incubator, while Karnataka, where Isro is headquartered, has in its aerospace policy included support for space startups.Narayan Prasad, cofounder of satsearch.co , a space startup, who has advocated a model for Isro and Antrix to set up incubators, says the project would help spin in and spin of technologies commercially that has been developed outside and within the space agency as well as kickoff newer ideas in space.“It is better for Antrix to use a professional team in terms of management (that include experience VCs, IP lawyers, commercial space veterans) and asses technologies through a Isro team. Isro/national user needs to be the anchor user in many cases for the startups to succeed,” said Prasad. He said Antrix could start a new arm that is dedicated to work with startups and can pick certain stake in these firms for support in terms of infrastructure as well as funds.Isro is not the first space agency to look at incubating startups. European Space Agency’s business incubator centre or ESA Space Solutions has incubated over 600 startups in the last 20 years. US space agency NASA works with startups.UK has also set up space incubators.Sivan said Isro will begin testing a smaller rocket during middle of next year, for which it will rope in industry partners when the rocket is operational. It is also close to finalising a industry consortium for its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the first PSLV will be built by the consortium by 2020.Isro is looking at India as a hub for satellite manufacturing as well as launching them from its soil, aiming to tap a global opportunity of private firms building remote sensing and communication infrastructure for services that include high speed internet services in remote parts of the world.