KickSky Space Lab: Keynote Session, 1

​“Lessons from the Makers: Startup Founders Share Their Journey”

​Get ready for a lively, unfiltered and inspiring conversation with two of the most prominent space-tech founders, Daniel Faber (CEO, Orbit Fab) and Pawan Chandana (Co-founder & CEO, Skyroot Aerospace), as they share real-world experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs from their journeys. Moderated by Ankit Anand (Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures), the session will deep dive into what it truly takes to found, build, and scale category-defining companies in the space-tech industry.

​Daniel Faber is the CEO of Orbit Fab, a company revolutionizing space sustainability by enabling satellite refueling. With over 25 years in space technology, he has led engineering teams to develop and launch satellites for environmental monitoring, telecommunications, and astronomy. Previously, he founded a mining tech startup and led Deep Space Industries, advancing steroid mining and satellite propulsion. His mission is to create a thriving in-space economy.

​Pawan Kumar Chandana is the Co-Founder & CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, India’s pioneering space launch service provider democratizing access to space through its Vikram-series launch vehicles. Under his leadership, Skyroot successfully launched India’s first privately developed rocket, scaled to a team of 400+ space professionals, and established state-of-the-art factories to build cutting-edge launch vehicles for the global market.

​/ What to Expect / 

​🧠 Panel Discussion & Rapid-Fire Insights  

​Expect an interactive, moderated discussion followed by a rapid-fire round that uncovers candid advice, key insights, and entrepreneurial wisdom.

​💬 Audience Q&A 

​Cohort participants will have the first opportunity to ask questions. If time permits, we will open the floor to audience questions — so come ready to engage!

​📸 Virtual Group Photo + Closing  

​We'll wrap up with a virtual snapshot to mark the occasion and a few final words of encouragement.