KickSky Space Lab: Keynote Session, 2

​“The Critical Role of Technical Validation – Why It Matters, How to Approach It, and Best Practices”

​In spacetech innovation, technical validation isn’t just a milestone - it’s mission-critical. This keynote brings together senior technologists from the industry to decode how startups can build credibility with investors, customers, and regulatory bodies through systematic validation processes and will be moderated by Ankit Anand, Founding Partner at Riceberg Ventures.

​Panelists: 

​Dr. Alok Shrivastava is a veteran aerospace scientist and Director at Ananth Technologies Limited. Formerly Associate Director at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre, he played a key role in landmark missions like Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, and the Mars Orbiter Mission. With over 30 years at ISRO, his leadership has been pivotal in advancing indigenous satellite systems and shaping India’s space program from concept to launch. Dr. Shrivastava’s expertise lies in complex system integration, validation, and mission execution at scale.

​Raj Pai is the Senior Technologist in the Aviation Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center, where he leads initiatives in AI, machine learning, and big data for aviation systems under NASA’s Sky for All and the FAA’s NextGen programs. With 25+ years of experience spanning Silicon Valley tech and aerospace innovation, including founding a cloud analytics startup, Raj brings a rare blend of technical depth and real-world application in system validation and operational transformation.

​What to expect: 

• ​Why technical validation is foundational, and not optional.

• ​How to approach validation from the earliest stages. 

• ​Best practices from years of mission-critical engineering. 

​This session is designed as a collaborative, interactive forum - not a formal panel. We'll begin with brief introductions, then transition into an open-format discussion where panelists, the moderator, and startup teams engage freely.