No Smartphones, Internet or AI: Karnataka’s Awais Ahmed Went From Encyclopaedias to Launching Advanced Earth Observation Satellites
Long before smartphones, high-speed internet and artificial intelligence became part of daily life, a young boy in Karnataka discovered the wonders of space through encyclopaedias. Today, that same curiosity has helped Awais Ahmed co-found Pixxel, a space technology company whose advanced satellites are orbiting Earth and providing detailed environmental data.
Ahmed’s journey from Aldur village in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district to building a globally recognised space venture highlights how determination and a passion for science can lead to innovation. His company now develops hyperspectral imaging satellites capable of monitoring crop health, methane emissions, pollution and broader environmental changes.
A Childhood Inspired by Books
Awais Ahmed grew up in Aldur, where internet access was not readily available during his early years. Instead of relying on digital resources, he explored space through encyclopaedias brought home by his father.
Those books introduced him to galaxies, planets and the mysteries of the universe. As a result, his fascination with space continued to grow through reading, observation and imagination.
His interest remained strong during his time at BITS Pilani, where he studied Mathematics. He joined Team Anant, the institute’s student satellite programme developed with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Later, he became the engineering lead of Hyperloop India, which participated in the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.
Rather than pursuing a conventional academic career, Ahmed chose to build a technology company.
A Gap in Satellite Data Sparked an Idea
The idea for Pixxel emerged in 2018 when Ahmed and his BITS Pilani classmate, Kshitij Khandelwal, participated in the IBM Watson AI Challenge.
Their project required highly detailed satellite imagery to analyse crop conditions. However, they found that the necessary data was unavailable.
Although conventional Earth observation satellites could capture images of the planet, they often failed to detect subtle changes. Early indicators of crop stress, methane leaks, industrial pollution and other environmental issues frequently remained invisible through traditional imaging.
Instead of waiting for an existing solution, the pair decided to develop one themselves.
In February 2019, they founded Pixxel while still in their early twenties. They launched the company with money borrowed from Ahmed’s father and operated with limited resources, reportedly managing expenses of around Rs 10,000 per month during the early stages.
Pixxel’s Growth Into a Global Space Company
Since its launch, Pixxel has expanded rapidly and attracted investments from global firms, including Google, Radical Ventures and Lightspeed.
According to the company, it has raised approximately $95 million, making it one of the world’s most well-funded hyperspectral imaging companies.
In 2025, Pixxel successfully placed all six of its Firefly satellites into orbit. The satellites are designed to observe Earth across more than 250 spectral bands, enabling them to capture significantly more information than conventional Earth observation satellites.
This technology supports a wide range of applications. Farmers can identify crop stress before visible damage appears. Companies can detect methane leaks more efficiently. Authorities can monitor illegal mining activities, while researchers can study environmental changes with greater precision.
International Recognition
Pixxel’s work has earned recognition from several international organisations.
TIME included the company in its 100 Best Inventions of 2023, while the World Economic Forum named it a Technology Pioneer in 2024.
The company also became the first Indian space startup to secure a contract with NASA. It later signed a five-year agreement with the US National Reconnaissance Office.
Ahmed has received individual recognition through honours such as Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Innovators Under 35 and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40. His co-founder, Kshitij Khandelwal, has also featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
From Village Encyclopaedias to Orbit
Ahmed’s journey demonstrates how curiosity and persistence can shape remarkable achievements.
He began exploring space through books rather than digital technology. Nevertheless, that early fascination eventually led him to co-found a company building advanced satellites capable of observing Earth in unprecedented detail.
His story reflects how ideas nurtured in a small Karnataka village can develop into technologies that contribute to global environmental monitoring and space innovation.