Indian Startup Scales From Lab to Defence Manufacturing

A year ago, SpaceFields was a small university startup working on rocket engines in Bengaluru. Today, the company is building solid propulsion systems for India's defence forces and planning a massive manufacturing facility.

The transformation happened fast. SpaceFields raised $5 million in funding and grew from a handful of researchers to a 60-person team spanning aerospace engineering, materials science, and propulsion design.

The company now works with major defence organizations including Bharat Electronics, HAL, and Bharat Forge. It has won five government innovation challenges and serves more than 16 customers across public and private sectors.

One critical project addresses a pressing national need: refurbishing aging missile stockpiles. Many systems have exceeded their shelf life, and accessing original overseas manufacturers proves difficult. SpaceFields is developing sovereign capabilities to solve this problem through multiple refurbishment programs.

The startup established a 45,000-square-foot R&D facility in Bengaluru that received government certification. But the bigger move is coming: SpaceFields secured 121 acres in Andhra Pradesh for a large-scale propellant manufacturing plant set to launch within two years.

The Ripple Effect

SpaceFields represents a broader shift in India's aerospace sector. The company has filed 32 patents with 11 already granted, creating intellectual property that strengthens national capabilities.

Founder Apurwa Masook points to recent government reforms opening opportunities for startups in space and defence technology. His team is converting development projects into procurement contracts, positioning themselves to supply at scale when production begins.

The startup has generated $780,000 in revenue so far and was valued under $24 million. It continues partnering with the Indian Institute of Science while signing agreements with major defence manufacturers.

From university lab to industrial manufacturer, SpaceFields is building the infrastructure India needs for sovereign rocket and missile production. Their next phase focuses on turning technical expertise into industrial capacity that can serve national defence at scale.