Marine Robotics Startup EyeROV Raises ₹10 Crore
EyeROV, a marine robotics startup in Kochi, Kerala, has raised ₹10 crore (about $1.2 million) in Pre-Series A funding. This investment will help advance its underwater drone technologies. Unicorn India Ventures led this funding round, showing strong confidence in EyeROV’s innovative approach.
Innovative Solutions in Underwater Robotics
Founded in 2016 by IIT alumni Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan, EyeROV has become a leader in underwater robotics. Its flagship product, the EyeROV TUNA, is India’s first commercial underwater drone. This drone aims to change how industries inspect and explore underwater environments.
With the new funding, EyeROV plans to expand internationally and develop more advanced marine robotic products. Its technologies are already used in various sectors, including defense, research, infrastructure, and maritime industries.
Applications in Defense and Research
In defense, EyeROV’s drones assist in search and recovery (SAR) operations. They also help with explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), port security, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The company’s remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) work well in murky waters. Furthermore, they can carry different tools, such as gripper arms for recovering objects.
Research organizations also use EyeROV’s technology. The ROVs serve as underwater platforms for testing sensors and retrieving objects. Additionally, they support oceanographic studies. EyeROV has supplied its products to many defense and research organizations across India.
Strengths in Infrastructure Inspection
One of EyeROV’s strengths is its ability to inspect critical infrastructure. This includes dams, bridges, oil pipelines, and ports. The ROVs have completed over 1,000 inspection hours, providing high-definition video and detailed reports to clients. As a result, they enhance safety and efficiency in these inspections.
EyeROV’s achievements have attracted attention. Besides the recent funding, the startup has also received support from the Technology Development Fund (TDF). It has partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop advanced underwater drones.
Experienced Leadership
The co-founders, Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan, bring valuable experience. Mathai, the CEO, holds a master’s degree in Computer Technology from IIT Delhi. He has over eight years of experience in technology-driven organizations. Palaniappan, the CTO, has a master’s degree in Ocean Engineering from IIT Madras. He has a strong background in manufacturing and ocean technology.
Looking Ahead
With its innovative solutions and strong leadership, EyeROV is set to make significant progress in marine robotics. As the company continues to push boundaries, the future of underwater exploration looks promising.
The EyeROV TUNA, India’s first commercial underwater drone, has completed over 1,000 inspection hours across various sectors.
