Agna

Hello! Here's our monthly #TheAgnaMuseletter and this time we talk about the future of global leadership is being built today. As the Middle East and India rise as hubs of innovation in aerospace, national security, and technology, they are paving the way for a new era of influence. Keep an eye out for our upcoming #AgnaEngineeringThesis, where we'll delve even deeper into the opportunities within this pivotal sector. Meanwhile, read on our #MonthlyNewsletter #Agna #VentureEquity

India’s gaming industry is on fire, with over 455 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴 nationwide in 2023—poised to hit 491 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 2024. Valued at around $3.1 billion, gaming has soared past traditional entertainment sectors, showing that the excitement isn’t just about play; it’s also about opportunity. One of the most striking trends in this growth is the rise of female gamers, who now make up nearly 40% of the community. In Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities especially, women are stepping into gaming for fun and career-building, empowered by affordable devices and widespread internet access. This trend signals a societal shift, with women increasingly choosing unconventional career paths—and gaming is becoming one of the most exciting frontiers. Inclusive tournaments and supportive communities are helping women find a place and thrive within India’s #gaming sphere. Still, challenges like online harassment and fewer sponsorships persist. The push to support gender diversity is gaining momentum, meaning more Indian women may soon take centre stage as influencers, champions, and leaders in gaming. With more opportunities opening up, the 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 than ever, setting the stage for a balanced and diverse gaming community. #India #Gamers #Agna #VentureCapital

Who do you think holds the keys to AI's potential? With centralised giants monopolising advanced resources, decentralised #blockchain technology may be the answer to democratising #AI. Imagine a fairer, more accessible AI landscape where the playing field is level, resources are distributed, and data remains private. And that's how AI and Blockchain walked into a node network… and revolutionised the tech. #TechForAll #FutureOfAI #DecentralisedAI #Agna #VentureCapital

India is launching a financial rocket into space—literally. The Union Cabinet recently greenlit a ₹1,000 crore #venturecapital fund dedicated to #spacetech startups, aimed at securing India’s leadership in space innovation. Managed by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), this fund will support around 40 promising firms selected for their commercialisation potential, catalysing early-stage innovation within #India. This five-year initiative will begin with ₹150 crore in 2025-26 and increase to ₹250 crore annually over the subsequent three years. Investment amounts for each firm will range from ₹10 crore to ₹60 crore, based on growth stage and impact potential. By targeting budding startups and more established players, the government aims to retain talent and innovation domestically, counteracting the trend of companies relocating abroad for funding. The fund aligns with India’s ambitious goal to expand its #SpaceEconomy from $8.4 billion to $44 billion by 2033, paving the way for additional private investment and a thriving domestic space ecosystem. As investors, we see this as a pivotal move reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a formidable force in the global space arena. #Agna #Aerospace Img: Freepik

Researchers at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan have developed an exceptionally small #QuantumComputer that processes data using a single photon (a particle of light). Normally, quantum computers require complex and bulky setups and often require extreme cooling systems to function properly. However, this new system does not require such cooling, making it a more practical and potentially scalable solution. The researchers use “time bins” in the photon’s wave packet (essentially different time slots within the same photon) to encode data, allowing for more efficient calculations. One of the notable algorithms it successfully ran is Shor’s algorithm, which is famous for its ability to factor large numbers efficiently—this is crucial for cryptography and #DataSecurity. Because photon-based computing is less prone to errors from noise and interference, this breakthrough opens up possibilities for its application in fields like data encryption, #artificialintelligence, medical research, and even improving logistics systems. In short, this is a significant step forward in making #QuantumComputing more accessible and useful in various industries. #Agna #NationalTsingHuaUniversity

On the first of the ongoing three days SuperReturn Middle East event, Pranav Sharma, Founder of Agna, participated in a panel discussion focused on "Unravelling the Threads of Web 3.0." The session explored the current and potential impact of blockchain technology and its alignment with broader developments in the financial and digital sectors. Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund accompanied Pranav on the panel and was moderated by Felix Stratmann, Head of Research at Outerlands Capital, delved into the role of blockchain as an emerging force in reshaping markets. A key takeaway was how #Dubai is becoming a significant hub for #blockchain innovation, drawing talent and projects from across the globe, including a noticeable migration from India’s tech ecosystem. The conversation also covered real-world use cases such as #tokenisation, decentralised finance, and #gaming, which are already gaining traction within the #Web3 space. The panel highlighted the changing preferences of younger, tech-savvy populations in regions like India and Saudi Arabia. With widespread access to mobile devices and the internet, these groups are increasingly looking to engage with global markets outside of traditional institutions, and blockchain technology plays a central role in enabling this shift. From an institutional perspective, the discussion emphasised the need for investors to engage with the blockchain market, even in its early stages. Whether through direct investments or regulated funds, the panel underscored the importance of recognising blockchain’s growing relevance and preparing to participate as adoption accelerates. The maturation of the technology, combined with rising institutional access, signals significant opportunities for both institutional and retail investors alike. At Agna, we remain focused on these developments, recognising the growing importance of blockchain in the evolution of financial and digital landscapes. #SuperReturnMiddleEast #Agna #InvestorsEvent #VentureEquity

SpaceX has just rewritten the rules of space travel. In a groundbreaking step, its Starship booster was caught mid-air by an enormous structure known as #Mechazilla, a move that could redefine how rockets are reused. This towering 400-foot structure, based at SpaceX's Starbase in Texas, features two massive mechanical arms, often called "chopsticks," designed to catch the Super Heavy booster as it descends to Earth after a launch. On October 13, 2024, the Super Heavy booster separated from the Starship upper stage at 65 kilometres altitude. It then used thrusters and reignited engines to slow down during its return. As the booster approached, Mechazilla's arms moved into position, catching the rocket mid-air and safely securing it back on the launch pad. This new recovery method eliminates the risks and costs associated with ocean splashdowns or ground landings, allowing for quicker refurbishment and reuse of the booster. By adopting Mechazilla, SpaceX aims to drastically cut down the time between launches, paving the way for more frequent and cost-efficient space missions. This advancement is a major step toward Elon Musk's vision of reusable rockets, essential for large-scale missions to the Moon and Mars. The success of Mechazilla reflects a broader trend in #AerospaceEngineering, where innovation is accelerating. As the industry continues to evolve, new technologies like this will drive major advancements, positioning #SpaceExploration for its next big leap. #SpaceTech #Agna #SpaceX #VentureCapital Img source: SpaceX

As we wrap up #WorldSpaceWeek, it’s important to highlight the transformative role space innovation plays in addressing #ClimateChange. Next-generation satellites are advancing climate monitoring, offering unprecedented precision in tracking changes across our atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems. With improved data on weather patterns, rising sea levels, and greenhouse gas emissions, space technology is shaping informed climate strategies. These strategies can lead to better responses and long-term sustainability. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, the insights gained from space missions will drive climate action forward. Space stations are evolving into platforms for cutting-edge climate research, while interplanetary missions provide new perspectives on environmental dynamics that help us understand and manage Earth’s ecosystems better. Looking ahead, emerging frontiers such as in-space energy production and transmission, in-space manufacturing, space resource exploration and utilisation, and space debris management and in-space recycling could be pivotal for our sustainable practices both on Earth and in our space endeavours. Remember, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning! #Agna #SpaceTech #SpaceScience #ClimateAction #ClimateCrisis World Space Week Association

It’s Day 6 of the #WorldSpaceWeek, and we wanted to highlight how #startups are leading the charge to reshape climate action through space technologies using advanced #AI solutions to cutting-edge satellite imaging and eco-friendly propulsion systems. These pioneers are leveraging satellite data, climate analytics, and sustainable space solutions to combat #ClimateChange from orbit. With more funding flowing into this sector and an ever-growing number of startups focusing on climate solutions, #SpaceTech is becoming a crucial player in building a sustainable future. We have listed a few startups below from across the globe, do tag contributors to this ecosystem who are making a difference. #ClimateCrisis #Agna #ClimateAction World Space Week Association

We’ve reached Day 5 of #WorldSpaceWeek 2024, and we cannot emphasise enough that although we know that space is vast and enigmatic, what might surprise many is how intimately connected it is with protecting our home planet. #SpaceTech is uniquely equipped to monitor the Earth's fragile ecosystems in ways we could never imagine from the ground. Imagine tracking every shift in sea levels, mapping the melting ice caps in real-time, or even counting each tonne of CO2 being released into the atmosphere—all from the vantage point of space. What’s fascinating is how the same space race that once fuelled competition is now giving rise to collaborative global missions focused on climate observation. Space agencies worldwide are no longer acting as silos, but rather as key players in providing data to help mitigate the impacts of #ClimateChange. It’s about space for Earth’s future, not just cosmic exploration. And now, with technologies capable of capturing precise climate data, we are in the best possible position to observe our planet’s pulse and act accordingly. Whether we’re watching from the ground or from above, it’s clear that space isn’t just about reaching for the stars—it’s about securing a sustainable future for Earth. #Agna #ClimateAction #ClimateCrisis #Aerospace World Space Week Association