IG Defence Secures ₹300 Cr Approval for Advanced Multi-Drone Manufacturing Hub in Odisha’s Ganjam District

• One of the largest private drone manufacturing investments approved in Odisha
• Facility to manufacture tactical, EW-enabled and mission-specific unmanned systems
• Leverages proximity to DRDO labs, HAL, Ordnance Factory and AD Gopalpur test range
• Comes at a time when IG Defence has received orders for 5,000+ FPV kamikaze striker drones from defence forces

IG Defence, one of India’s leading indigenous defence technology companies, has received approval from the Government of Odisha to establish a ₹300 crore advanced multi-drone manufacturing centre in Ganjam district. The project was cleared by the 144th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, as part of a broader set of industrial approvals aimed at strengthening the state’s manufacturing and strategic industrial base.

The facility will focus on the manufacturing of advanced unmanned aerial systems and related defence technologies, including high-performance tactical and mission-specific drone platforms. Leveraging Odisha’s established defence ecosystem—including DRDO laboratories, HAL facilities, the Ordnance Factory network, and the AD Gopalpur test range the facility will support the development of indigenous electronic warfare–enabled unmanned systems and other mission-critical defence capabilities. These systems will strengthen India’s safety, security, and national sovereignty, while also being positioned for export to India’s friendly partner nations. The project marks a significant step in expanding domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capacity in line with national self-reliance objectives.

The approval places IG Defence among the key contributors to Odisha’s growing aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. By establishing operations in the state, the company supports Odisha’s vision for balanced regional industrial development while leveraging emerging infrastructure and strengthening participation in high-technology manufacturing. In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Purvodaya Mission and the Government of Odisha’s vision for a Viksit Odisha, the project is expected to be a transformative addition to the state’s strategic manufacturing landscape.

As an IP-led defence technology company, IG Defence has built a strong reputation for systems designed for real operational environments. Its drone and counter-drone platforms have been validated through field deployments, including during Operation Sindoor, and several patented platforms have already been inducted by the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The company continues to translate in-house research and development into mission-ready solutions supported by a steadily expanding manufacturing footprint across India.

Recently, IG Defence has received orders exceeding 5,000 FPV kamikaze striker drones from multiple defence forces, reflecting growing operational confidence in its combat-proven unmanned systems. These include defence explosive–integrated platforms and kamikaze FPV explosive configurations designed for precision strike and other mission-critical applications, underscoring IG Defence’s evolution into a trusted indigenous supplier of frontline unmanned combat technologies.

The new Odisha facility will further strengthen IG Defence’s national production network and support the scaling of reliable, Made-in-India unmanned systems to meet the evolving operational requirements of India’s armed forces, while enabling compliant exports that support regional security partnerships.

Speaking on the approval, Maj Gen R C Padhi,Senior Vice President, IG Defence “This approval from the Government of Odisha reinforces the trust placed in IG Defence within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. The facility is a strategic step towards strengthening indigenous production and ensuring assured, scalable supply of mission-critical systems. It reflects our long-term commitment to building defence infrastructure that supports real operational requirements of the armed forces.”

With the Odisha government approving ₹4,111.80 crore worth of industrial investments in this round, the state continues to strengthen its position as a destination for next-generation manufacturing. IG Defence’s investment adds momentum to Odisha’s aerospace and defence ecosystem and supports India’s broader objective of building a resilient, self-reliant defence manufacturing base under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

NASA and Nobel Laureate–Co-founded Infleqtion to Launch World’s 1st Quantum Gravity Sensor into Space

NASA has long used satellites like GRACE and GOCE to map Earth’s gravity, but quantum sensors promise far greater sensitivity. But now, NASA and Infleqtion are collaborating on a groundbreaking mission: the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (QGGPf). This will be the world’s first quantum gravity sensor flown to space, marking a major milestone in quantum sensing and Earth science. This mission could pave the way for next-generation Earth observation satellites that detect subtle changes in mass distribution across the planet.

Infleqtion is a pioneering deeptech company specializing in neutral atom quantum technology, founded in 2007 by a team that includes Nobel laureate Theodor Hänsch. With more than 250 employees—over half of them PhD-level scientists and engineers—the company has built one of the world’s largest teams dedicated to advancing quantum computing and sensing.

As a deeptech startup, Infleqtion focuses on long-gestation, science-led innovation that bridges fundamental physics with real-world applications. Its portfolio spans quantum computers, precision sensors, and proprietary software platforms, with use cases in climate monitoring, defense, secure communications, and advanced materials research. Backed by over $311 million in funding and holding more than 230 patents, Infleqtion operates globally across the US, UK, Japan, and Australia, positioning itself as a leader in commercializing quantum breakthroughs for both government and industry.

Quantum sensors can detect the smallest variations in gravitational fields, helping scientists map underground water reserves, track ice sheet changes, and monitor natural resources with unmatched precision.

Infleqtion designed, developed, and tested the Physics Package Assembly (2nd image below this article) for NASA’s Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station. This unique facility cools atoms to near absolute zero in microgravity, creating Bose-Einstein condensates that allow deeper study of quantum behavior and enhanced precision measurement. 

Key Details

A map of Earth’s gravity. Red indicates areas of the world that exert greater gravitational pull, while blue indicates areas that exert less. A science-grade quantum gravity gradiometer could one day make maps like this with unprecedented accuracy. [Credit: NASA] 

• Mission Lead: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Southern California.
• Partner: Infleqtion, a leader in quantum sensing and computing using neutral-atom technology.
• Objective: Deploy a quantum sensor in low Earth orbit (LEO) to measure Earth’s gravitational field and its gradients with unprecedented precision.
• Funding: Over $20 million contracted to date.
• Timeline: Expected launch around 2030.
• Technology: Cold-atom quantum sensing forms the core of the instrument.

Atomic physics package overview, showing a design for a single source gravity gradiometer. The three main regions are: a vapor loaded 2D-MOT, an atom chip for 3D-MOT and BEC generation, and an interferometry region.

Why It Matters

• Scientific Impact: Gravity measurements help track mass dynamics on Earth’s surface — such as ice sheet changes, groundwater depletion, and tectonic activity.
• Applications: Could revolutionize monitoring of climate change, natural resources, and disaster prediction.
• Strategic Value: Positions the U.S. at the forefront of quantum space sensing, a field with both scientific and national security implications.

The QGGPf mission is designed to demonstrate quantum sensor technologies that could transform how Earth’s gravity is measured from space, said Infleqtion in its official statement. The quantum sensor is designed to monitor mass dynamics across the planet’s surface, including changes in water, ice and land, while operating in microgravity, which enables longer interaction times and correspondingly improved measurement sensitivities.

NASA emphasized the mission’s scientific and strategic importance:  

This instrument aboard a dedicated satellite in low Earth orbit will be the first quantum sensor capable of measuring Earth’s gravitational field and its gradients—critical signals used today to monitor mass dynamics on the planet’s surface,” said JPL representatives. “The mission advances U.S. leadership in quantum space sensing and opens new pathways for climate science and resource monitoring.

With more than $20 million in contracted funding and a planned launch around 2030, the QGGPf mission is expected to revolutionize how scientists track climate change, groundwater depletion, ice sheet dynamics, and tectonic activity. It also positions the U.S. at the forefront of quantum-enabled Earth science and national security applications. 

PadCare Labs Raises $3 Mn in Pre-Series A Led by Nithin Kamath's Rainmatter with Participation From 3one4 Capital and Brigade REAP

• The Pre-Series A round comprises a mix of equity and debt financing
• The startup operates across 24 cities in India, managing over 2,000 sites and serving more than 685 enterprises, manufacturing, and residential community clients. 
• The company has remained PAT positive for two consecutive years, delivering EBITDA margins of 26%

PadCare Labs, a clean-technology startup focused on sanitary waste recycling, has raised $3 million in a Pre-Series A funding round to scale its recycling capacity to 2,000 MT annually by March 2027 and launch Orbit, an app-based offering for housing societies. Led by Rainmatter by Zerodha, the equity and debt mix round witnessed new participation from 3one4 Capital, Brigade REAP and PKRBCV Shroff Trust, and backing from existing investors Lavni Ventures, 3i Partners, and debt partners EXIM Bank and ICICI Bank.

The company plans to deploy the fresh capital to scale its recycling operations across Bengaluru and the Delhi NCR region while strengthening leadership and core operating functions. Building on this, PadCare will accelerate its R&D efforts, advance diaper recycling capabilities, and expand Rebirth, its portfolio of recycled corporate stationery and paper products. As the world’s first sanitary-waste disposal and recycling system, the company is now eyeing expansion into new APAC markets, with entry targeted by 2027.

Speaking on the fundraise, Ajinkya Dhariya, Founder and CEO of PadCare Labs, said, “Sanitary waste management remains one of the most under-addressed challenges within India’s waste ecosystem. As regulations evolve with Solid Waste Management (SWM) 2026 rules and enterprises are held to higher sustainability and compliance standards, the need for organized, transparent recycling infrastructure is becoming unavoidable. This fundraise enables us to expand capacity, strengthen leadership, and build the operational backbone required to scale a circular economy for hygiene waste.”

Ajinkya Dhariya, CEO and Founder, PadCare Labs

Founded in 2018 by Ajinkya Dhariya, PadCare has developed patented technology for the scientific recycling of used sanitary waste, enabling the recovery of value-added materials for industrial applications. The company operates across 24 cities in India, including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and serves over 685 clients like Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra Group across more than 2,000 sites. PadCare works with large enterprises, manufacturing facilities, educational institutions, institutes, and residential communities to deliver scalable and sustainable sanitary waste management solutions.

Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha and Rainmatter, said, “Sanitary waste is a structurally ignored problem with significant environmental and public-health implications. PadCare has demonstrated that this category can be addressed through the right combination of technology & operational discipline. We have seen the company scale responsibly over the years, which is why we chose to reinvest in PadCare. We will be supporting them as they build long-term, circular infrastructure for India.”

Nruthya Madappa, Partner, 3one4 Capital, added, "Sustainable waste infrastructure is essential for India's urban future, and PadCare is leading the way. Ajinkya Dhariya and the team have deployed their patented technology across multiple markets, building a solution that works environmentally, operationally, and economically. With proven traction and strong unit economics, PadCare is ready to scale nationally. We're excited to partner with PadCare as they expand operations and deepen their impact.

Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director, Brigade Group, said, “Personal hygiene waste management is an area that has been overlooked over the years, and it is heartening that Ajinkya and the team at Pad Care are leveraging true innovation for solutions in a space that really needs it. This investment represents our belief that impactful change comes from backing entrepreneurs who successfully combine technology with purpose. Their pioneering work in scalable sanitary waste recycling not only addresses a critical gap in the ecosystem but also sparks louder conversations and creates greater visibility around topics such as menstrual health and effective hygiene products.”

Sanitary waste, while recognized under India’s solid waste management framework, has historically lacked scalable and compliant recycling solutions, resulting in most of it being sent to landfills or handled unsafely. PadCare addresses this gap through an end-to-end model that integrates on-site collection infrastructure, compliant logistics, scientific recycling, and transparent reporting aligned with sustainability and ESG requirements.

Notably, the company has sustained EBITDA profitability over the last two years, maintaining EBITDA margins of 26%, reflecting strong operating leverage and a resilient business model. It has recorded a 136% CAGR and continues to see strong customer stickiness, with a 99.5% client retention rate. In 2025 alone, PadCare recycled approximately 256 MT of sanitary waste, resulting in an estimated reduction of 512 MT of CO₂-equivalent emissions. The company also holds three granted patents, with seven more in the pipeline, and operates at TRL-9 technology readiness. To date, the company has raised $5 million in funding from investors including BIRAC’s LEAP Fund (Venture Center) and Social Alpha, and secured a landmark four-shark investment on Shark Tank India Season 2 from Piyush Bansal, Anupam Mittal, Vineeta Singh, and Namita Thapar.

About PadCare

PadCare is an India-based clean-technology company building patented recycling solutions for sanitary waste. The company enables compliant, transparent, and circular management of sanitary waste for enterprises, institutions, and residential communities using their patented sanitary waste recycling technology. PadCare operates across 24 cities in India with a mission to eliminate landfill disposal of sanitary waste through scalable recycling infrastructure.

Website: www.padcarelabs.com

Bluestone Invests ₹25 Cr in Ethera to Fuel Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery Expansion

(L-R) Sharad Arora, Nitesh Jain — Co-founder Ethera

Ethera, a Bengaluru-based laboratory-grown diamond jewellery brand, has raised ₹25 crore from Bluestone, which has doubled down on its investment to support the brand’s next phase of growth and expansion. The development marks a continued commitment towards scaling Ethera’s market presence.

India’s lab-grown diamond jewellery market is witnessing a rapid momentum, driven by evolving consumer behaviour, rising demand for everyday jewellery, and a growing preference for ethical and transparent luxury. The lab-grown diamond (LGD) segment in India represents an estimated ~$500 million revenue opportunity today and is growing at 35–40% year-on-year. By 2030, LGDs are expected to form a meaningful share of the overall diamond jewellery market, underpinned by structural shifts in purchasing preferences.

Ethera is well-positioned to serve this shift with a strong design pipeline, launching over 200 new designs every month, supported by a rigorous 40-point quality check across every piece.

Founded in 2024 by Nitesh Jain and Sharad Arora, Ethera is a design first contemporary jewellery brand built for the modern, confident woman. Rooted in the belief that jewellery shouldn’t be locked away but worn and lived in, Ethera offers a wide range of classic and modern everyday designs crafted using IGI certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS hallmarked gold across categories including earrings, bracelets, solitaires, pendants, and necklaces. Ethera’s collections are designed to move seamlessly from everyday wear to personal milestones, reflecting individuality, confidence, and evolving personal style. The brand caters to women who value thoughtful design, curated wardrobes, and quality.

The fresh capital will be primarily deployed to expand Ethera’s physical retail footprint. In a span of 1 year, the brand has already expanded and currently operates five retail stores in Bengaluru and Delhi, with multiple new locations set to go live in the coming weeks and several more already in the pipeline. Alongside retail expansion, Ethera will continue to invest in deepening its in-house design creation capabilities, strengthening its technology stack, and accelerating brand awareness to support sustained omnichannel growth.

Commenting on the announcement, Sharad Arora, Co-Founder Ethera, said, “Everything we’re building at Ethera starts from first principles: understanding the customer, the category and the long-term opportunity. That clarity is shaping Ethera into a brand defined by strong design, transparent values and a consistent experience across channels. BlueStone’s strategic backing strengthens our ability to expand our retail presence, deepen our supply-chain capabilities and build the operational backbone needed for the scale ahead.”

Nitesh Jain, Co-Founder Ethera, added, “Jewellery today is a powerful form of self-expression, and women are increasingly choosing pieces that reflect their individuality and life journeys. At Ethera, our focus has always been on design, quality, craftsmanship, and consistency. This capital enables us to expand our retail reach while continuing to invest in systems that deliver consistency and trust at every touchpoint.”

As Ethera enters its next phase of growth, the brand remains focused on its philosophy of jewellery as self-expression, designed to be worn every day and become a part of lived experiences.

About Ethera:

Founded in 2024 by Nitesh Jain and Sharad Arora, Ethera is a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built for the modern, confident woman. Backed by BlueStone, the brand operates through flagship retail stores alongside a strong digital presence across India. Ethera was founded on a clear belief: jewellery shouldn’t be locked away — it should be worn and lived in. Crafted with IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS- hallmarked gold, the brand represents accessible luxe, offering thoughtfully designed jewellery that places self-expression, quality, and responsible luxury at its core. With contemporary, versatile designs, Ethera jewellery is created to move seamlessly through a woman’s day -from 9AM meetings to 9PM rooftop dinners, weekday errands to milestone moments. Ethera celebrates individuality and confidence with design and quality at its core.

Finvolve & India Accelerator Invest $1M in Satlabs to Build Real-Time Satellite Data Relay Network

Finvolve, a multi-stage venture capital fund focused on backing technology-led, high-impact startups, has announced an investment of INR 9 crore (USD 1 million) in Satlabs Space Systems, a deeptech space startup building next-generation satellite communication infrastructure to enable near real-time geospatial intelligence. The investment from Finvolve & India Accelerator (IA) will help Satlabs with capital, space-tech experts, go-to-market support, technology guidance, ecosystem access, and long-term strategic backing.

The investment will support Satlabs’ efforts to accelerate R&D, advance satellite deployment plans, and scale its data relay network, aimed at significantly reducing latency in Earth observation (EO) data transmission. The company is developing a constellation of low-cost data relay satellites designed to act as “floating ground stations” enabling faster, continuous communication between satellites and end users.

Founded by Sooraj Gopakumar and Saisree Eega, Satlabs is addressing a critical bottleneck in the space ecosystem: delays in downlinking Earth observation data due to limited ground station coverage. Its data relay solution aims to reduce latency from hours to minutes, and eventually near real time, enabling critical applications across defence, agriculture, disaster response, offshore energy, and industrial IoT.

Through this investment, Finvolve aims to play a strategic role in supporting Satlabs’ mission to build cost-efficient, scalable, and globally compatible satellite communication infrastructure, while strengthening India’s position in the rapidly evolving space-tech ecosystem.

Commenting on the investment, Ashish Bhatia, Founder & CEO, IA, said “Space infrastructure is becoming fundamental to how economies operate from national security to climate intelligence and industrial automation. Satlabs is solving a core structural problem in satellite communications by dramatically reducing data latency at a fraction of existing costs. At Finvolve, we are keen to back deeptech companies that combine strong engineering with long-term strategic relevance, and Satlabs fits that vision well.”

Sharing his perspective on the fundraise, Saisree Eega, Co-Founder & CEO of Satlabs, said: “Our goal is to make real-time satellite data accessible, reliable, and scalable across the globe. Finvolve’s support allows us to accelerate development of our relay satellite network and move closer to enabling real-time decision-making from space. This investment is a strong validation of our technology and our long-term vision.”

Satlabs is currently progressing toward the launch of its proof-of-concept relay satellite, with plans for phased constellation deployment over the coming years. The company’s technology roadmap also extends into non-terrestrial industrial IoT connectivity, enabling real-time communication in regions beyond terrestrial network coverage.

Finvolve’s investment portfolio spans high-growth sectors including space-tech, EV and clean mobility, defence-tech, consumer internet, fintech, healthcare, and enterprise solutions. Backed by India Accelerator’s multi-thesis investment approach, Finvolve continues to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by providing early and growth-stage capital to ventures driving innovation, scalability, and long-term impact.

ABOUT FINVOLVE

Finvolve is a multi-thesis growth and late-stage venture capital fund that supports startups across their growth journey—from pre-seed to pre-IPO. The fund partners with founders to provide growth capital, strategic guidance, and long-term support, helping companies scale sustainably and build enduring businesses. With investments across high-growth sectors, Finvolve focuses on backing teams that combine strong execution with clear market opportunity. The fund is supported by a broader startup ecosystem platform that enables access to networks, mentorship, and infrastructure, strengthening its ability to support founders beyond capital.

ABOUT INDIA ACCELERATOR

India Accelerator (IA) is India’s leading seed-stage startup accelerator and the recipient of the “Best Accelerator of the Country” award from Startup India (2022). Alongside its accelerator programs, IA actively invests in early-stage startups through its joint venture Finvolve, three AIFs, and a GIFT City Fund. IA provides founders with capital, mentorship, and market access, enabling scalable and sustainable growth.