Odisha’s deeptech startup bags Rs 66 cr order from Indian Navy

Coratia Technologies’ breakthrough in deep-tech robotics marks a milestone in India’s defence self-reliance drive

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark achievement for India’s defence innovation ecosystem, Odisha-based deep-tech startup Coratia Technologies has signed a Rs 66 crore (\$7.5 million) contract with the Indian Navy to supply and maintain its indigenously developed Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). The agreement, sealed in the presence of senior naval officials, marks the first large-scale induction of India-built underwater robots into active naval operations.

Coratia has developed two advanced underwater robots, Jalasimha and Jaladuta, along with Navya (ASV), an autonomous surface vessel. Equipped with sonar-based mapping, AI and ML-powered real-time data analytics, the systems are designed for dual-use — serving both defence and civil applications. Their frugal engineering delivers high-end capabilities at a fraction of the cost of foreign imports, offering India a cost-effective breakthrough in underwater robotics.

“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 research and innovation ecosystem through well-structured initiatives like the iDEX,” said Debendra Pradhan, Co-Founder and CEO, Coratia Technologies.

Backed by Investors, Driven by Vision

The deal comes on the heels of Coratia raising Rs 17.4 crore (\$2 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round in July 2025, led by MGF Kavachh with support from Pontaq Ventures India. The fresh capital will be channelled into R\&D expansion, IPR development, and export growth, tapping into the rapidly growing global underwater robotics market, currently valued at USD 5.08 billion in 2025 and projected to nearly double by 2030.

Raj Sethia, Founder and Managing Partner of MGF Kavachh, said, “We recognised Coratia’s unique strength in homegrown innovation and its potential to transform critical sectors. By investing, we are not just backing a promising startup but also reinforcing the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and contributing to the vision of becoming a global technology leader.”

Adding to this, Col. Sarjeet Yadav (Retd.), Venture Partner, MGF Kavachh, stressed that indigenous solutions reduce India’s reliance on foreign imports during uncertain geopolitical times, thereby advancing the country’s technological sovereignty.

Beyond Defence: Expanding Civil and Industrial Applications

While defence induction is a game-changer, Coratia’s UWROVs are already proving their worth in civilian and industrial sectors. Clients such as SAIL, Indian Oil, Indian Railways, and TATA Steel are using these systems for dam and bridge inspections, ocean floor mapping, marine ecosystem monitoring, and offshore energy asset management.

The technology also offers critical support in pipeline inspections, subsea cable monitoring, disaster response, and water quality assessment, making it a versatile tool that extends well beyond defence.

“We’re here to unlock new possibilities not just for defence preparedness but also for supporting India’s blue economy,” said Biswajit Swain, Co-founder and CTO of Coratia Technologies.

Boosting Self-Reliance in Defence

For the Navy, the move aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision and reflects a larger push to integrate homegrown technologies in mission-critical sectors. By adopting Coratia’s UWROVs, the Navy not only gains a cost-effective solution but also reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, sidestepping risks of trade restrictions and tariff uncertainties.

The agreement signals more than just a contract — it represents a shift in India’s defence preparedness strategy, where startups and innovators are taking centre stage alongside established defence players.

With the deal in place, Coratia is poised to scale operations, strengthen R\&D, and explore export opportunities in the booming global robotics market. For India, this development showcases how local startups are capable of delivering world-class, indigenous solutions that can simultaneously drive defence modernisation and industrial transformation.

As India charts its path toward a \$1.5 trillion economy by 2047, stories like Coratia’s prove that innovation rooted in regional talent can fuel not just economic growth, but also national pride and strategic independence.