The Indian Navy has signed a ₹66 crore contract with Coratia Technologies, an Odisha-based deep-tech startup, to deploy and maintain advanced underwater remotely operated vehicles (UWROVs). The deal represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, while boosting the Navy’s underwater operational strength.
Startup Innovation Meets Defence Requirements
Coratia Technologies, incubated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, has emerged as one of the most promising defence-tech startups in the country. The company will deliver home-grown UWROVs capable of supporting a wide range of underwater operations, including:
- Ship hull cleaning
- Minor salvage operations
- Surveys of submerged infrastructure
- Inspections of underwater assets
The startup’s journey to this landmark contract began after it won the iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) challenge in 2023. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Defence, aims to encourage indigenous innovation in the defence and aerospace sectors.
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“This is not only a recognition of our capability to design and manufacture mission-critical underwater systems, but also symbolises the Navy’s relentless efforts to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem,” said Debendra Pradhan, Co-founder and CEO of Coratia Technologies.
‘Jalasimha’ Clears Military Readiness
The Indian Navy has already inducted ‘Jalasimha’, Coratia’s flagship underwater remotely operated vehicle, which successfully cleared Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9. This certification came after rigorous field trials, confirming the system’s reliability for real-world military operations.
“Our frugal design offers advanced capabilities at a significantly lower cost, making it India’s first cost-efficient breakthrough in underwater robotics,” explained Biswajit Swain, Co-founder and CTO of Coratia.
With its modular and adaptable design, Jalasimha has proven to be both robust and cost-effective, strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities while providing an affordable alternative to expensive foreign technologies.
Dual-Use Potential Beyond Defence
While Coratia’s breakthrough in underwater robotics is a boon for defence, its applications extend far beyond the armed forces. The UWROVs are already being deployed across public and private sectors for critical underwater tasks, including:
- Dam and bridge inspections to assess structural safety
- Ocean floor mapping for scientific research and resource exploration
- Monitoring marine ecosystems to support environmental conservation
- Offshore energy asset inspections, such as oil platforms and wind farms
- Subsea pipeline and cable monitoring, ensuring infrastructure integrity
This dual-use potential makes Coratia’s technology a vital enabler for India’s blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
Funding Boost and Expansion Plans
Coratia Technologies has also been successful in attracting investor confidence. In July 2025, the company raised ₹17.4 crore in a pre-Series A funding round, led by MGF Kavachh and supported by Pontaq Ventures India.
“By investing, we are not just backing a startup, but reinforcing the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and contributing to India’s emergence as a global tech leader,” said Raj Sethia, Founder & Managing Partner of MGF Kavachh.
The funding will enable Coratia to scale production, enhance R&D, and explore global markets. With its proven cost-effective underwater solutions, the company has its sights set on expanding into the international defence and marine infrastructure sectors.
Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat
The partnership between the Indian Navy and Coratia Technologies stands as a testament to the success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, where indigenous startups are empowered to develop world-class defence technologies. The deal not only boosts operational readiness but also reduces dependence on expensive foreign imports.
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Experts believe that as India continues to foster a defence innovation ecosystem, collaborations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future security strategy and technological leadership.
The ₹66 crore deal with Coratia Technologies marks a new chapter in India’s defence modernization journey. By integrating cutting-edge underwater robotics developed by a home-grown startup, the Indian Navy has underscored its commitment to innovation, cost-efficiency, and self-reliance.
With dual-use applications in defence, infrastructure, and marine sustainability, Coratia’s UWROVs are set to become a cornerstone of both national security and India’s expanding blue economy. This collaboration not only strengthens the Navy’s underwater capabilities but also positions India as an emerging global hub for deep-tech innovation.
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