Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup AquaAirX has raised Rs 12.5 crore in a seed funding round led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha founded by Nithin Kamath. The round also saw participation from Prime Venture Partners, Wyser, and India Accelerator. The funding marks a key milestone for the young company as it works to strengthen its core technology and expand its engineering capabilities.
Funding to Strengthen Core Technology and Engineering Talent
According to the company, the newly raised capital will be used to enhance several critical aspects of its technology stack. These include improving system autonomy, increasing the reliability of air-to-water transition mechanisms, and advancing sensing and communication capabilities. AquaAirX also plans to expand its engineering and research teams across robotics, autonomy, controls, and embedded systems, with a focus on accelerating product development and readiness.
Founded to Build Next-Generation Amphibious Systems
AquaAirX was co-founded in 2024 by Jitendra Saini and Gouthami T S. The startup focuses on developing next-generation autonomous amphibious and underwater robotic systems designed for defence and high-value commercial applications. At the heart of its product portfolio are amphibious drones that can seamlessly transition between aerial flight and underwater operations, a capability aimed at addressing complex maritime mission requirements.
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Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle in Development
Alongside its amphibious drone platform, AquaAirX is developing a proprietary Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, or HAUV. This platform is designed for precise underwater inspection, monitoring, and intervention tasks. The company is targeting defence and select high-value commercial use cases where accuracy, safety, and operational efficiency are critical. The HAUV is intended to operate in challenging underwater environments while maintaining stability and control during missions.
Focus on Maritime Intelligence and Surveillance Gaps
The startup stated that its systems combine advanced autonomy, robotics, and mission-centric design to address existing gaps in maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. By automating complex aerial and underwater tasks, AquaAirX aims to enable safer, faster, and more cost-effective operations compared to conventional approaches. The company believes such capabilities are increasingly important for both defence and strategic maritime applications.
Alignment With India’s Indigenous Defence Vision
AquaAirX works closely with defence and strategic partners and positions itself in line with India’s broader push for indigenous and future-ready defence technologies. By building advanced robotic platforms domestically, the company seeks to contribute to self-reliance in critical defence technologies while also creating systems that can be adapted for global use cases.
Roadmap Includes Trials, Manufacturing, and Market Entry
Looking ahead, AquaAirX plans to deepen collaborations with Indian and international defence partners. The company intends to scale up large-scale trials of its platforms and begin preparations for manufacturing. Its stated goal is to enter both defence and commercial markets by 2027, once its systems reach the required levels of maturity and operational validation.
Progress Achieved Over the Past Year
Over the last 12 months, AquaAirX has made measurable technical progress. The company has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 for its flagship amphibious platform, indicating successful demonstration of a prototype system in a relevant environment. This milestone places the startup closer to deployment-ready solutions as it continues refining performance, reliability, and integration.
With fresh capital and growing technical validation, AquaAirX is positioning itself as a specialised player in autonomous maritime robotics, focusing on complex environments where seamless air and underwater operations can offer a strategic advantage.
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