Chennai-based deeptech startup Vikra Ocean Tech has raised $1 million in a seed funding spherical led by Finvolve, with participation from India Accelerator.

The startup will use the raised capital to scale product manufacturing, strengthen its gross sales pipeline throughout defence and public sector undertakings (PSUs), and set up recurring income streams by service contracts and annual upkeep agreements.

Based in 2019, Vikra Ocean Tech is engaged on what it claims is India’s first absolutely indigenous ocean robotics stack for underwater and floor operations.

The startup is constructing a modular ecosystem that features deep-water remotely operated autos (ROVs), autonomous floor vessels (ASVs), amphibious crawling robots, and AI-enabled imaging and communication techniques.

Vikra Ocean Tech mentioned its know-how is designed to cut back India’s dependence on imported underwater robotics by providing cost-effective options tailor-made for defence, subsea inspection, hydrographic surveys, and catastrophe response. Its techniques are built-in by a unified management platform and supported by in-house {hardware} corresponding to cameras, lighting, diver communication instruments, and AI-based video enhancement techniques.

The startup claims to have acquired two iDEX grants from the Indian Military and the Indian Coast Guard, together with a number of innovation awards. Vikra has additionally developed a deep-ocean digital camera and lighting system able to working at depths of as much as 2,000 metres. Its autonomous floor vessels are being utilized in offshore marine exploration.

Ashish Bhatia, Co-Founding father of Finvolve and Founder & CEO of India Accelerator mentioned, “Subsea robotics is quick changing into a strategic precedence for India throughout defence, infrastructure, and catastrophe response. Vikra Ocean Tech is addressing this want with a totally indigenous, built-in robotics stack that mixes deeptech innovation with sturdy on-ground validation. Their means to construct and deploy scalable, high-performance techniques positions them nicely to guide this area from India.”

Rajagurunathan, Co-Founder, Vikra Ocean Tech, added, “Our imaginative and prescient is to construct a globally aggressive ocean robotics ecosystem from India. This funding permits us to speed up product growth, scale deployments, and deepen our engagement with defence and industrial stakeholders. We purpose to considerably scale back India’s dependence on imported techniques whereas delivering strong, cost-effective options constructed for real-world situations.”

Rajeuv, Co-Founder, additional added, “This funding will strengthen our R&D capabilities, scale manufacturing, and speed up deployments throughout defence, offshore vitality, analysis, and marine infrastructure sectors. We’re dedicated to constructing dependable, world-class applied sciences that place India as a pacesetter in ocean innovation.”