Pixxel Launches “Shakuntala Grants” to Back Women Researchers and STEM Education

The grant is part of Pixxel’s Shakuntala Initiative, a long-term effort to expand access for women in STEM through funding, knowledge sharing, and community-building.

Bengaluru, 06 March 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Pixxel, a planetary intelligence company that builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced hyperspectral imaging satellites, today announced the launch of Shakuntala Grants, a programme supporting women researchers studying our planet while opening pathways for the next generation to discover science.

In partnership with Escape Velocity Grants, run by Aakanksha Gaur and Paras Chopra, Pixxel will provide micro-grants for women researchers working on projects related to climate resilience and the environment. These small, timely grants enable fieldwork, pilot studies, data collection, equipment purchases, or exploratory research that might otherwise remain unfunded, particularly for independent researchers and early-career practitioners working close to the ground.

Pixxel is also partnering with Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust, a non-profit recognised by ISRO as an official Space Tutor, to advance STEM learning opportunities for students through its flagship Spark of Curiosity programme, which has reached over 7 million government school students across India. The initiative focuses on immersive, hands-on science education through activities such as science kits, digital planetarium shows, and interactive learning modules designed to build curiosity and conceptual understanding among girls in government schools. This will be implemented at GMPGS Devanahalli Middle School, helping extend experiential STEM learning for girls in the region.

Commenting on the launch, Awais Ahmed, Founder and CEO and Tanya Pallavi, Head of People Practices, Pixxel, said: “The future of science and technology can only be truly inclusive if women shape it at every level, from classrooms to research labs to leadership roles. At Pixxel, nearly 48% of our leadership roles are currently held by women, and the Shakuntala Grants build on that commitment, expanding opportunities for women to lead work that advances critical knowledge about our planet.”

Dr Vinod Kumar, Director Promotions, IN-SPACe, said: "The launch of the Shakuntala Initiative by Pixxel is a commendable step toward bridging the gender gap in India’s rapidly evolving space sector. At IN-SPACe, we believe that the next frontier of space innovation—especially in critical areas like climate change and environmental monitoring—will be defined by the talent and perspectives of our women researchers. By providing targeted funding and community support, this initiative not only honours the legacy of trailblazers like Shakuntala Devi but also empowers the next generation of women to lead India’s space-tech revolution from the front."

Aakanksha Gaur and Paras Chopra, Escape Velocity Grants, said: “A small, timely grant can be the difference between a research idea staying on paper and actually reaching the field. Through Shakuntala Grants, we're hoping to back women researchers at exactly that inflexion point, where belief and a little resourcing can unlock something lasting.” 

“We are delighted to partner with Pixxel under the Shakuntala Grants to expand STEM learning opportunities for girls in government schools. Pixxel’s commitment to empowering women and nurturing scientific curiosity at an early stage is truly inspiring. Through our Spark of Curiosity programme, this collaboration will bring hands-on science experiences, space education, and practical learning tools to young girls, encouraging them to dream bigger and pursue futures in STEM,” said Dinesh Badagandi, Trustee, Saare Tare Zameen Par Trust.

The initiative draws inspiration from the name Shakuntala, which holds significance across Pixxel’s journey, history, and mythology. For Pixxel, Shakuntala was the company’s first pathfinder satellite, marking an early step toward building its vision of planetary intelligence. The name also honours Shakuntala Devi, whose extraordinary mathematical ability inspired generations to pursue science and discovery, as well as Shakuntala, the mother of Bharat and a foundational figure in Indian mythology, from whom India takes its name.

Shakuntala Grants marks the beginning of the Shakuntala Initiative by Pixxel, through which the company will continue advancing opportunities for women in STEM through additional programmes and collaborations.