BENGALURU: A Leap Forward in Defence Technology

Deeptech startup Optimized Electrotech has successfully raised $6 million in Series A funding, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance artificial intelligence-powered imaging and surveillance solutions for the defence and space sectors. Leading the investment round were Blume Ventures and Mela Ventures, with contributions from 9Unicorns, existing investors like the Rajiv Dadlani Group and Venture Catalysts, alongside the company’s leadership team.

Revolutionizing Surveillance with AI

Founded in 2017 by Sandeep Shah and Dharin Shah in Ahmedabad, Optimized Electrotech specializes in developing electro-optic imaging systems tailored for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Their cutting-edge products, utilized across defence, aerospace, and space operations, integrate real-time data processing with onboard analytics to provide high-speed visual intelligence in critical scenarios.

Future Endeavors and Innovations

With prior funding totaling Rs 39 crore (over $4.5 million), the fresh capital infusion is earmarked for scaling the development of next-generation imaging payloads. This includes pioneering solutions for autonomous ISR systems and high-speed space imaging, further solidifying the company’s position in the deep-tech ecosystem.

Accolades and Recognition

Optimized Electrotech boasts four patents and has triumphed in several innovation challenges under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (Idex) initiative. Their participation in the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with Idex (Aditi) programme underscores their commitment to advancing defence technology.

Sandeep Shah, co-founder and managing director, emphasizes the importance of preventing conflicts, stating, "A war that is prevented is as important as the one that has to be won." This philosophy drives their pursuit of knowledge and dynamic decision-making in warfare technology.

Investor Confidence and National Impact

Investors laud the startup’s intellectual property-led approach and its alignment with India’s self-reliance goals in defence. Arpit Agarwal of Blume Ventures and Parthasarathy NS from Mela Ventures highlight the company’s technical prowess and its vital role in enriching India’s deep-tech landscape.