Spatial  Intelligence Laboratories

The Spatial Intelligence Laboratories (SPIN Labs) initiative has been envisioned within the Geo-Intel Lab as a nationwide makers-space ecosystem focused on hands-on innovation, product development, and industry-driven technology building in Spatial Intelligence, GIS, Remote Sensing, NavIC/GNSS-based PNT, GeoAI, Digital Twin applications, and AR/VR-enabled geospatial solutions.

Unlike conventional research laboratories, SPIN Labs are designed as applied innovation spaces where students, faculty, startups, and professionals work directly with industry partners, technology companies, and solution providers to develop real-world, deployable geospatial products and workflows.

Guided by the vision of Dr. Roshan K. Srivastav, SPIN Labs aim to create a strong national network that accelerates prototype development, field validation, technology translation, and skill development, enabling institutions to contribute to digital governance, public-good applications, and next-generation geospatial solutions.

By onboarding industries and startups into every SPIN Lab, the initiative ensures continuous mentoring, access to tools and datasets, industry-grade problem statements, and support for commercialization pathways—positioning SPIN Labs as India’s largest industry-integrated spatial innovation ecosystem.

SPIN Labs aims to build India’s largest academic-geospatial network, fostering innovation, research, training, and industry collaboration to support the National Geospatial Policy 2022 and the Digital India vision.

To build a nationwide makers-network that empowers academic institutions, industries, and startups to collaboratively develop indigenous geospatial, PNT, and spatial intelligence technologies, advancing India’s capabilities in digital governance, public-good applications, and Viksit Bharat 2047. 

• Establish industry-integrated Spatial Intelligence Laboratories across India.

• Enable rapid prototyping, product development, and field-ready solutions.

• Build workforce capacity in GIS, RS, PNT, GeoAI, XR, and Digital Twins.

• Support student entrepreneurship and early-stage product innovation.

• Foster cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Strengthen India’s geospatial innovation ecosystem through applied skill development.

• IITs

• NITs

• IIITs

• Central/State Universities

• Engineering Colleges

• Private Universities

• Polytechnics

• Research Institutions

• Startups & Industry Partners (as mentors/technology contributors)

SPIN Labs cover applied innovation and product development in the following areas:

• GIS, Remote Sensing & Earth Observation

• NavIC/GNSS-based PNT & Indoor Navigation

• Geospatial AI & Spatial Data Analytics
  Digital Twin & 3D/4D Mapping Applications

• Drone Mapping & Applied Photogrammetry

• AR/VR-based Geospatial Visualization, Training & Simulation

• Environmental, Urban, Agriculture & Mobility Intelligence

• Sensor Fusion & IoT-based Geospatial Solutions

• Real-time Geospatial Dashboards & Decision Support Tools

• Geophysical Exploration

Each participating SPIN Lab must fulfill the following:

Infrastructure

• Allocate a minimum of 1000 sq. ft. of dedicated laboratory space.

• Provide basic furnishings—tables, chairs, almirahs, safe storage.

• Ensure proper electrical, network, and safety provisions.

Leadership

• Appoint:

  • Principal Investigator (PI) with expertise in PNT/geospatial/AI

  • Co-PI from a complementary department

Activities

• Conduct minimum 2 training workshops/seminars per year.

• Facilitate at least 5 innovation/student projects annually.

• Maintain documentation, progress records, and updates on the Geo-Intel Network Portal.

Collaboration

• Engage faculty mentors across relevant departments.

• Involve industries/startups in mentoring and product development.

To ensure synergy across all SPIN Labs:

1. Quarterly Technical Review Meetings

Evaluate progress, share innovations, and align goals.

2. Federated Data Repository – GDI Node

A shared repository for:

• datasets

• codes

• prototypes

• product documentation

• workshop content

3. Cross-Institutional Collaboration Platform

Projects connecting institutions, startups, and industry mentors.

4. Annual National SPIN Labs Conclave (at IITTNiF)

Showcasing:

• best practices

• prototypes

• student startups

• research-to-product pathways

• awards and recognition

• Recognition as part of a national innovation network in Spatial Intelligence & PNT.

• Technical mentorship from Geo-Intel Lab and industry experts.

• Inclusion in DST/TIH-led programs, hackathons, and skill development initiatives.

• Enhanced visibility through IITTNiF and Geo-Intel Lab platforms.

• Opportunities for students/faculty to contribute to national R&D, consultancy, and startup initiatives.

• Access to NavIC, GIS/RS, AI, XR, and Digital Twin workflows.

1. Development of Base Models for PNT & Geospatial Technologies

• Creation of prototypes in GNSS, GIS, indoor navigation, RS dashboards, and sensor fusion systems.

2. Startup Enablement & Technical Mentoring

• Support for converting final-year projects into viable startups with expert guidance.

3. Support for UG & PG Student Projects

• Hands-on experience through access to tools, hardware, software, and industry mentorship.

4. Industry-Oriented Training for Final-Year Students

• Partner companies identify and train students for job-ready skill development.

5. Enhanced Placement Opportunities

• Students access pathways into NavIC, GIS, remote sensing, AI, IoT, and mobility-tech industries.

6. Skilled Manpower for Industry & Startups

• SPIN Labs will produce professionals trained in PNT, GeoAI, XR, and embedded systems.

7. Center of Excellence for PNT Model Testing

• Testing and validation of new PNT models, algorithms, and prototypes.

8. Priority in National Programs

• Institutions gain merit-based priority in SPIN fellowships, hackathons, internships, and competitions.

Infrastructure

• Minimum 1000 sq ft

• Lab furniture and safe storage

• Well-organized workspace with safety compliance

Equipment & Hardware

Institutes must set up essential electronics lab infrastructure:

• Oscilloscopes

• Function generators

• Multimeters

• Breadboards

• Power supplies

• Toolkits

Advanced hardware (to be procured as needed):

• NavIC Chipsets

• GNSS Development Boards
  Satellite Kits

• Arduino/Raspberry Pi Controllers
  Jetson Nano Boards

• Sensors, antennas, cables, consumables

Principal Investigator (PI)

• Full-time faculty member

• PhD with expertise in PNT/Geospatial/AI/Navigation domains

• Responsible for:

  • project oversight

  • resource management

  • industry collaboration

  • reporting

Co-PI

• From a different department with domain overlap

• Ensures continuity of operations

Faculty Mentors

• Expertise in GNSS, GIS, RS, AI/ML, IoT, embedded systems

• Mentor product/prototype development activities

• Conduct technical reviews and workshops

Annual Project Support

• 20 projects per year

  • 10 from host institute

  • 10 from neighboring institutions

Student Fellowships

• Selected students will be inducted in the National Chanakya Internship Program.

Industry Partnerships

• Equipment suppliers become industry partners of the host institute.
  They provide:

  • demonstrations

  • internships

  • placement pathways

  • advanced training