No smartphones, internet or AI: This Karnataka boy from Chikkamagaluru, who learnt about space from encyclopaedias, now sends advanced satellites into orbit
Awais Ahmed’s journey shows how a simple interest in science can lead to groundbreaking ideas, even without access to modern technology. Years before smartphones, high-speed internet and artificial intelligence tools became widespread, books were his source of knowledge and inspiration.
A childhood supported by books and questions
Awais Ahmed grew up in Aldur village in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, where internet access was not a part of daily life in his early years. He discovered the space world thanks to the encyclopedias his father brought home.
These books introduced him to galaxies, planets and the mysteries of the universe. With no online videos or instant answers, his curiosity was fueled by reading and imagination.
His interest continued during his university years at BITS Pilani, where he studied Mathematics. He joined Team Anant, the institute’s student satellite project developed with ISRO, and later became the engineering lead for Hyperloop India, which participated in the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition.
Instead of following the usual academic route, Awais decided to focus on building a technology company.
A problem with satellite data led to Pixxel
The idea behind Pixxel emerged in 2018, when Awais and BITS Pilani bandmate Kshitij Khandelwal were working on the IBM Watson AI Challenge. Their project required highly detailed satellite imagery to analyze crop conditions. However, they found that the necessary data was not available.
Conventional satellites could capture images of the Earth, but they often missed smaller changes that were not visible through normal observation. Early signs of crop damage, methane emissions, industrial pollution and other environmental problems can go unnoticed.
Instead of searching for existing solutions, the duo decided to create one.
They launched Pixxel in February 2019, when they were still in their early twenties. They used money borrowed from Awais’ father and managed their early days with limited resources, spending around Rs 10,000 a month.
From a small startup to a global space company
Pixxel has grown significantly since its early days and has attracted investments from global names such as Google, Radical Ventures and Lightspeed.
The company has raised approximately $95 million and has become one of the most funded hyperspectral imaging companies in the world.
In 2025, Pixxel placed all six of its Firefly satellites into orbit. These satellites are designed to collect detailed information about the Earth by observing more than 250 spectral bands, providing much more data compared to traditional Earth observation satellites.
The technology can support many real-world uses. Farmers can detect crop stress before visible damage occurs, companies can detect methane leaks, authorities can monitor illegal mining, and researchers can track environmental changes.
Recognition beyond India
Pixxel’s work has received international attention. TIME included the company in its list of the 100 Best Inventions of 2023, while the World Economic Forum recognized it as a Technology Pioneer in 2024.
The company also became the first Indian space startup to sign a contract with NASA and later signed a five-year agreement with the US National Reconnaissance Office.
Awais Ahmed has also been recognized through platforms such as Forbes 30 Under 30, MIT Innovators Under 35 and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40. Its co-founder Kshitij Khandelwal was also included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
From a village library of ideas to Earth orbit
For many students, the biggest lesson from Awais Ahmed’s story isn’t just about satellites or technology. It’s about where ideas can come from.
He didn’t start his journey with expensive gadgets or unlimited access to digital tools. His first connection with space came from books and curiosity.
The same curiosity that started with encyclopedias in a small Karnataka village eventually helped create satellites that look at the Earth from space.
