Baiju Bhatt's Aetherflux Aims for Space-Based Solar Power Amidst Challenges Facing Indian Industry
Baiju Bhatt's start-up, Aetherflux, aims to develop space-based solar power transmission using lasers, with a demonstration planned for mid-2026 via SpaceX. This venture emerges amid challenges in the Indian industry, including U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions, which have led to significant layoffs and a shift in business models in the software services sector. Despite these hurdles, the start-up landscape in India remains active, with numerous IPOs and substantial funding raised in 2025.
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Baiju Bhatt's start-up, Aetherflux, plans to produce solar power in space and transmit it to Earth using lasers, with a demonstration slated for mid-2026 via a SpaceX rocket. This initiative occurs as Indian industries face significant challenges due to U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions, particularly under President Donald Trump’s policies.
The software services sector, crucial for employment, is under pressure from high H-1B visa costs and the rapid advancement of AI, which threatens traditional business models. TCS has laid off around 12,000 employees and is transitioning by constructing a $7 billion data center in Visakhapatnam.
Accenture is investing $1 billion in retraining staff, emphasizing the need to adapt to technological changes. While 290,000 recruits were hired across the industry in 2022-2023, future job prospects for graduates may diminish, pushing them towards alternative sectors. The landscape for Indian start-ups remains dynamic, with 18 IPOs and $11 billion raised in 2025.
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