Odisha start-up bags Navy’s ₹66-cr robot deal

In a milestone for Indian defence and technology, Odisha-based deep-tech start-up Coratia Technologies has secured a ₹66-crore contract with the Indian Navy to manufacture advanced underwater robots. The deal marks a significant step in boosting India’s indigenous defence capabilities while supporting research, innovation, and the country’s growing blue economy.

Coratia Technologies will supply two types of underwater remotely operated vehicles (U WROVs),Jalasimha and Jaladuta,along with the autonomous surface vehicle Navya (ASV). Equipped with AI- and ML-powered sonar systems, these machines can map the seabed and provide real-time data analytics. Their dual-use design allows deploymen t in both defence and civil sectors, ranging from marine ecosystem monitoring to offshore infrastructure inspections.

The startup’s approach emphasizes cost efficiency without compromising technological sophistication. These frugally engineered UWROVs are India’s first cost-effective underwater robotics solution, significantly reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and mitigating trade or tariff uncertainties. This move also strengthens India’s technological self-reliance while enabling rapid scaling of defence readiness.

“This project is recognition of our ability to design mission-critical underwater systems and refl ects the Navy’s commitment to fostering a homegrown research and innovation ecosystem,” said Debendra Pradhan, co-founder and CEO of Coratia Technologies. Biswajit Swain, co-founder and CTO, added that indigenous UWROVs not only reduce costs but also unlock new possibilities for defence preparedness and blue economy initiatives.

The startup, which recently raised ₹17.4 crore in pre-Series A funding, plans to use the investment to expand R&D, secure intellectual property rights, and scale exports, tapping into the global underwater robotics market projected to grow from USD 5.08 billion in 2025 to USD 9.53 billion by 2030.

Coratia’s UWROVs are already in use for practical applications such as dam and bridge inspections, subsea cable monitoring, and ocean-floor mapping. Analysts note that India’s push into advanced defence robotics through private startups signals a broader trend,leveraging domestic innovation to strengthen strategic capabilities while promoting “Make in India” excellence.

This contract represents more than just a procurement deal; it reflects a convergence of technology, strategic foresight, and domestic entrepreneurship. By integrating AI, robotics, and defence objectives, India is not just saving costs but building long-term, homegrown expertise in a rapidly expanding global sector.

The Navy’s investment in indigenous UWROVs highlights a decisive shift towards self-reliance in defence technology, while Odisha’s Coratia Technologies demonstrates that Indian startups can compete at the frontier of global innovation.