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Awais Ahmed’s journey from a bright-eyed young student in Karnataka, to the founder of a pioneering organisation such a Pixxel, is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. He believes that space technology, especially satellite data, has the power to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change, disaster-response, to food security
By Siraj Ali Qadri
Awais Ahmed, the founder and CEO of Pixxel, is a visionary entrepreneur who has become a trailblazer in the field of space technology. His story is one of passion, ambition, and overcoming challenges to build one of the most innovative space companies in the world. From his early life in India to his career as an entrepreneur and the founder of Pixxel, Awais’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and visionary thinking.
Early life and background in India
Awais Ahmed was born in Aldur of Chikmagalur district in Karnataka, where he developed an early interest in technology and space. Growing up in a middle-class family, he didn’t have access to the internet till he was in 8th grade. He had limited access to high-tech gadgets but found his passion for science and engineering through books, television, and the occasional visit to science museums. Like many kids, he was fascinated by space and technology, but unlike most, he saw them as areas where he could one day make a significant impact.
Awais attended a local school in his hometown, where he excelled in subjects such as mathematics, physics and computer science. He pursued and completed Masters in mathematics from the prestigious BITS Pilani. His talent, and aptitude for these subjects, combined with his natural curiosity, pushed him to pursue his passion further.
Indeed, it was in high school that his interest in space exploration truly took off, and he began to explore the possibility of contributing to the field through his own work. That was beginning of an innovative and eventful academic journey in space technology.
Education at IIT Madras: The foundation
Awais Ahmed’s academic journey took a crucial turn when he was accepted in one of India’s most prestigious institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. During his time at IIT Madras, he pursued a degree in electrical engineering, which provided him with a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of science and technology.
It was at IIT Madras that his interest in space technology began to tale a firmer shape. He became involved in a number of student-led initiatives related to space exploration and technology, and these experiences were formative in shaping his vision for the future.
Through projects and research, Awais was exposed to satellite technology, and he began to recognize the immense potential of small satellites for Earth observation. This was a pivotal moment in his life, as it ignited his entrepreneurial drive to create a space technology company that could make Earth observation more accessible and affordable.
The exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation at IIT gave him the confidence to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, leading to the creation of Pixxel in the years that followed.
The spark behind Pixxel: Early career path
After passing out from IIT Madras, Awais entered the professional world, initially working in the technology sector. However, his time in the corporate world was brief.
He quickly realized that his true calling lay not in traditional engineering roles, but in using technology to solve larger global and local challenges. While working in the tech industry, he encountered many innovative projects and ideas, but none resonated with him as much as space technology did.
In 2018, after gaining several years of experience in the tech field, Awais decided to take the bold step of founding his own company. Drawing from his academic background in electrical engineering and his passion for space technology, he founded Pixxel in 2019.
Pixxel was envisioned as a company that could make Earth observation data accessible to a wider audience by launching a constellation of small, high-resolution satellites. The initial concept behind it was to create a cost-effective and efficient way to monitor environmental changes, track agricultural activity, and support disaster-response using satellite imagery.
While larger space agencies and corporations typically dominated the satellite industry, Awais sought to democratise satellite data, making it available not just to governments or large corporations, but to industries, farmers, and communities in need of reliable, real-time data.
Pixxel’s first milestone
Pixxel’s first significant milestone came in 2020, when the company successfully launched its first satellite, Pixxel-1, into orbit. This satellite was designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth, and its successful launch marked a critical moment for the company.
Since then, Pixxel has continued to grow, securing additional funding, getting widespread recognition, and expanding its satellite fleet. The company aims to build a constellation of satellites that will provide a range of data services, from monitoring the impact of climate change, to supporting urban planning and agricultural monitoring. It’s innovative approach has earned it recognition, credibility, and investment from both Indian and global stakeholders in the space technology sector.
Testament to the power of perseverance and vision
Today, Awais Ahmed is at the helm of a growing company that is at the cutting edge of space technology. Pixxel’s vision is to build a sustainable space infrastructure that will allow businesses and governments to make data-driven decisions that benefit the larger society.
He believes that space technology, especially satellite data, has the power to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to food security.
Awais Ahmed’s journey from a curious and bright-eyed young student in Karnataka, to the founder of a pioneering organisation such a Pixxel, is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. His success story demonstrates how passion, talent, dedication, and an entrepreneurial mindset can lead to groundbreaking innovations that can change the world.