Tonbo Imaging Secures Indian Navy ADITI 3.0 Contract to Integrate High Power Microwave Systems for Next‑Gen Maritime Defence

• Indian Navy Awards ADITI 3.0 contract for High Power Microwave System to Tonbo Imaging, Among a Select Few Globally with HPM Capability

Defence technology company Tonbo Imaging has been awarded a contract by the Indian Navy under the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework to integrate and commission a High Power Microwave (HPM) system for naval platforms.

The programme is supported by iDEX and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Under the scope of the engagement, Tonbo Imaging will undertake system integration and commissioning activities, followed by the supply of multiple production units upon successful development, validation, and acceptance.

High Power Microwave systems represent a strategically significant directed-energy capability and are considered a strategic asset owned by only a limited number of countries today. Such systems provide a non-kinetic means of disabling or degrading adversary electronics, sensors, and unmanned systems, and are one of the few practical approaches to countering swarms of drones, making them increasingly relevant in modern maritime and asymmetric threat environments. The Indian Navy’s continued investment in this domain reflects a forward-looking approach to electromagnetic spectrum dominance and next-generation deterrence.

ADITI (Advanced Defence Technology Incubation) is a Government of India initiative designed to enable the maturation, integration, and validation of advanced defence technologies prior to induction. The selection of Tonbo Imaging under ADITI 3.0 reflects the emphasis on indigenously developing strategic capabilities aligned with the Navy’s evolving operational requirements and long-term force modernisation plans.

Commenting on the development, Arvind Lakshmikumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tonbo Imaging India Limited, stated “this programme represents a significant responsibility to execute complex capability integration with discipline, rigour, and clear alignment to end-user operational needs. Over the past several years, Tonbo Imaging has invested substantially in the indigenous development of core building blocks of High Power Microwave technology, including critical sub-systems and vacuum tube sources. We are among the very few private organisations to own core intellectual property in vacuum tube technologies that are fundamental to HPM systems, and this deep technology foundation has been a key factor in our selection for this naval programme.

For the class of effects required in High Power Microwave applications, vacuum tube–based sources remain the practical path forward, as they are capable of generating the extremely high peak power and energy levels necessary for effective target coupling. Solid-state RF sources, while well suited for many RF applications, cannot today achieve the required peak power and pulse energy levels within feasible size, weight, and efficiency envelopes for operational HPM systems.”

With this engagement, Tonbo Imaging’s role extends well beyond that of an imaging and electro-optics company, reinforcing its position as a defence technology company focused on the development and integration of advanced defence systems. The programme underscores the company’s growing involvement in complex system-level integration, advanced electronics, embedded software, and emerging directed-energy and mission systems, in addition to its established strengths in electro-optics. This evolution reflects Tonbo Imaging’s transition toward delivering integrated defence capabilities.

About Tonbo Imaging India Limited

Tonbo Imaging India Limited is a defence technology company focused on the design, development, and integration of advanced sensing, perception, and mission-critical systems for military and security applications. The company’s portfolio spans electro-optics, thermal imaging, situational awareness, advanced electronics, embedded software, and emerging directed-energy technologies, enabling the delivery of integrated defence solutions that support operational requirements across land, maritime, and air domains.

In recent years, Tonbo Imaging has continued to evolve as a defence technology and systems company, investing in the development of next-generation directed-energy systems as well as advanced defence solutions such as loitering munitions and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), reflecting its strategic focus on addressing emerging operational threats through indigenous capability development.

L&T, Exail Forge Strategic Pact to Equip Indian Navy with Advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure Suite

Representative Image (Image - Exail.com)

L&T has entered a strategic collaboration with France-based Exail to deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy’s Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) programme.

L&T and Exail will together provide the Indian Navy with a state-of-the-art Unmanned MCM Suite, incorporating autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines in a safe, stand-off manner.

L&T, as the prime contractor, will offer the Unmanned MCM Suite to all shipyards participating in Indian Navy’s upcoming programme for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels. Exail will serve as the technology partner.

The partnership will enable the delivery of Exail’s globally proven MCM technologies, already in operation with several navies worldwide and validated through extensive real-world deployments. The collaboration represents a major step towards strengthening India’s mine countermeasure capabilities, enhancing maritime security and reinforcing Indo-French defence cooperation, while building a robust and self-reliant naval defence manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the programme will incorporate strong local industrial collaboration and capability development.

Commenting on the development, Arun Ramchandani, Senior VP & Head -Precision Engineering & Systems, L&T, said: “This partnership brings together L&T, with its extensive defence products legacy and maritime capabilities, and Exail, a global leader in unmanned maritime systems and mine warfare technologies. Exail contributes decades of proven operational expertise, while L&T leverages its strengths in defence engineering, indigenous manufacturing, complex system integration and lifecycle support”.

Jérôme Bendell, CEO – Maritime Systems Business Line, Exail, said: “We are proud to partner with L&T on this strategic programme for the Indian Navy. Beyond delivering a proven unmanned mine countermeasures capability, this collaboration also reflects a shared ambition to support the long-term development of sovereign unmanned maritime systems in India. By combining Exail’s operational expertise with L&T’s strong industrial and integration capabilities, we see significant potential to contribute to the local development and production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems”.

Indigenous Hovercrafts Boost Coastal Security

India has taken another decisive step toward maritime self‑reliance with the Girder Laying Ceremony of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), held at Chowgule Shipyard’s Rassaim Yard in Goa on May 11, 2026.

These indigenously fabricated hovercrafts, built with 50% local material under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, mark a significant leap in India’s pursuit of technological advancement and coastal defence capability.

What Are ACVs?

Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), popularly known as hovercrafts, are amphibious machines that float on a cushion of pressurized air.

• Multi‑terrain mobility: Operate seamlessly over land, shallow waters, marshes, and open sea.
• Speed & flexibility: Ideal for coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, and rapid rescue.
• Military utility: Used for interception, interdiction, and assisting vessels in distress.

By hovering above surfaces, ACVs overcome terrain limitations faced by conventional boats, making them indispensable for coastal security.

Strategic Role in India’s Defence

The six ACVs contracted with Chowgule & Company Private Limited in October 2024 are designed for multipurpose maritime roles:

• High‑speed coastal patrolling
• Reconnaissance in shallow and marshy areas
• Day‑night search and rescue operations
• Interception of suspicious vessels
• Assistance to ships and boats in distress

Once deployed, these hovercrafts will safeguard India’s vast and dynamic coastal zone, adding strategic mobility and operational flexibility to the ICG.

Self‑Reliance in Action

• 50% indigenous material ensures reduced dependence on imports.
• Local shipyard expertise strengthens industrial capacity in Goa.
• Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat reinforces India’s vision of self‑reliance in defence technology.

Impact at a Glance

Feature	Benefit for ICG
Indigenous build	Boosts self‑reliance
Amphibious capability	Multi‑terrain operations
High speed	Faster coastal patrols
Rescue utility	Saves lives in distress
Strategic mobility	Greater operational reach

Closing Note

India’s indigenous hovercraft programme is more than a fleet expansion — it is a symbol of technological sovereignty and maritime resilience. As these ACVs join the Coast Guard, they will not only strengthen coastal defence but also showcase India’s growing ability to design, build, and deploy advanced platforms for national security.

Finvolve & IA Back Vikra Ocean Tech with $1M to Build India’s First Indigenous Ocean Robotics Stack

Finvolve, a multi-stage venture capital fund, has announced a seed investment of $1 million in Vikra Ocean Tech, a Chennai-based deeptech startup developing India’s first fully indigenous ocean robotics stack for underwater and surface operations. The investment, led by Finvolve along with India Accelerator, will be utilized to scale product manufacturing, strengthen the company’s sales pipeline across defence and public sector undertakings (PSUs), and establish recurring revenue streams through service contracts and annual maintenance agreements.

Founded in 2019, Vikra Ocean Tech is developing an indigenous, modular ocean robotics ecosystem that includes deep-water ROVs, autonomous surface vessels, amphibious crawling robots, and AI-enabled imaging and communication systems. Built for interoperability through a unified control platform, its solutions address India’s dependence on imported underwater robotics by offering cost-effective, mission-ready systems tailored for defence, subsea inspection, hydrographic surveys, and disaster response. Its integrated hardware stack is supported by indigenous cameras, lighting, diver communication systems, and AI-based video enhancement tools for simplified and scalable operations.

VIKRA has gained strong early traction across both defence and commercial sectors, including securing two iDEX grants from the Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard, along with several other prestigious innovation awards. The company has developed India’s first 2000-meter depth-rated deep-ocean camera and lighting systems. Its Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) systems are also seeing wide adoption for offshore marine exploration applications.

The investment comes at a time when global and domestic tailwinds are accelerating the adoption of subsea robotics. With increasing maritime security concerns, rising climate-related disasters, and a strong policy push towards indigenous innovation, the demand for reliable, locally built ocean-tech solutions is growing rapidly. The global subsea robotics market is projected to expand significantly by 2030, while India’s domestic opportunity across inspection, monitoring, and blue economy applications continues to scale, creating a strong foundation for companies like Vikra to emerge as category leaders.

Commenting on the investment, Ashish Bhatia, Co-Founder of Finvolve and Founder & CEO of India Accelerator said –

Subsea robotics is fast becoming a strategic priority for India across defence, infrastructure, and disaster response. Vikra Ocean Tech is addressing this need with a fully indigenous, integrated robotics stack that combines deep-tech innovation with strong on-ground validation. Their ability to build and deploy scalable, high-performance systems positions them well to lead this space from India. 

Rajagurunathan, Co-Founder, Vikra Ocean Tech, added,

Our vision is to build a globally competitive ocean robotics ecosystem from India. This investment enables us to accelerate product development, scale deployments, and deepen our engagement with defence and industrial stakeholders. We aim to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported systems while delivering robust, cost-effective solutions built for real-world conditions.

Rajeuv, Co-Founder, further added, “This investment will strengthen our R&D capabilities, scale manufacturing, and accelerate deployments across defence, offshore energy, research, and marine infrastructure sectors. We are committed to building reliable, world-class technologies that position India as a leader in ocean innovation.”

With a vertically integrated product stack, growing commercial traction, and strong alignment with India’s strategic priorities, Vikra Ocean Tech is well positioned to scale its operations and play a defining role in shaping the country’s subsea robotics and ocean-tech landscape.

About Finvolve

Finvolve is a multi-thesis growth and late-stage venture capital fund supporting 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.

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 Finvolve, three AIFs, and a GIFT City Fund. IA provides founders with capital, mentorship, and market access, enabling scalable and sustainable growth.

'Samudra Prachet’ Sets Sail: Goa Shipyard’s Indigenous PCV Enhances India’s Oil Spill Response and Maritime Sustainability

In a significant stride toward maritime environmental preparedness and defence indigenisation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) welcomed Samudra Prachet, the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Launched at GSL’s Vasco shipyard, the vessel marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to bolster coastal pollution response capabilities with homegrown technology.

A Technological Guardian of the Seas

Samudra Prachet is engineered to tackle marine pollution emergencies, particularly oil spills within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a length of 114.5 metres, a breadth of 16.5 metres, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the vessel will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.

• Two side-sweeping arms for collecting oil spills while underway
• Advanced radar systems for real-time detection of oil slicks
• Integrated pollution response systems capable of:
  • Recovering oil across the full viscosity spectrum
  • Pumping in contaminated water
  • Analysing and separating pollutants
  • Storing recovered oil in dedicated onboard tanks

Built with 72% Indigenous Content

The vessel boasts 72% indigenous content, reflecting substantial contributions from Indian MSMEs and local industries. This aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a net exporter of defence technologies.

 
Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, praised the team’s dedication and highlighted the vessel’s role in advancing India’s maritime environmental infrastructure. “This platform is a testament to our shipbuilding excellence and commitment to national capability-building,” he said.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, Paramesh Sivamani, emphasized the strategic importance of PCVs in maritime security. “Pollution Control Vessels like Samudra Prachet are pivotal in safeguarding India’s marine ecosystems and responding to pollution emergencies,” he stated during the launch ceremony substantial employment in Goa:

Stimulated skill development

Strengthened the local shipbuilding ecosystem

Supported MSMEs engaged in marine production activities

A Twin Legacy

Samudra Prachet follows the launch of its sister vessel, Samudra Pratap, which was unveiled on August 29, 2024, and is nearing delivery. Together, these vessels significantly enhance the ICG’s operational readiness and environmental surveillance capabilities.

NATO Leads €12 Mn Funding of Underwater Robotics Startup to Protect 160,000km of Seafloor Networks

In a decisive move to bolster subsea infrastructure security, the military alliance NATO, through its NATO Innovation Fund, has led €12 million financing round of Norway-based startup Kongsberg Ferrotech, whose innovative underwater robotics technology is poised to redefine pipeline maintenance and vessel repairs on the ocean floor.

The robot, developed to operate in extreme underwater conditions, creates a “dry habitat” that enables safe inspections and repairs—eliminating the need for human divers or disruptive production shutdowns. This tech isn't just theoretical; it's currently in action off the coast of Abu Dhabi, supporting the oil and gas sector by reducing operational emissions and costs.

Strategic Implications:

With over 160,000 kilometers of subsea pipelines crisscrossing the globe, the risk to vital infrastructure has drawn heightened attention—especially after incidents like the 2022 Nord Stream sabotage. NATO’s investment signals a growing commitment to protect these networks from geopolitical threats, cyber interference, and physical disruption.

Naval Benefits:

Experts believe this tech could also revolutionize naval logistics by allowing vessel maintenance directly at sea. “Repairing warships without docking could extend fleet lifespans and enhance readiness,” says a NATO spokesperson familiar with the deal.

Beyond Borders:

The move reflects a broader trend in global defense: combining robotics, AI, and clean tech to create agile, resilient infrastructure solutions in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

As nations deepen their investments in digital and physical infrastructure protection, underwater robots like those from Kongsberg Ferrotech may soon be as common in marine defense as satellites are in the sky.

The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) is a €1 billion multi-sovereign venture capital fund launched in 2023 by 24 NATO member countries. The fund aims to invest in deep tech startups that enhance the Alliance’s long-term security, resilience, and technological edge.

Late last month, the NATO Innovation Fund and Earlybird led a $35 million Series A round in Portal Biotech, a pioneering biotechnology company headquartered in London. The NATO Innovation Fund invested in Portal Biotech because its protein sequencing platform has the potential to unlock the next frontier of biological data, critical for biosecurity and healthcare resilience.

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance formed in 1949 to ensure the collective defense of its member countries—primarily from North America and Europe. Its guiding principle is that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, as outlined in Article 5 of its founding treaty. Headquartered in Brussels, NATO works to maintain global peace and stability by coordinating defense strategies, conducting joint military operations, and addressing modern threats like cyberattacks, terrorism, and infrastructure sabotage.

CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Ink MoU to Revolutionize Shipbuilding With AI and Digital Twin Technologies

• CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Limited Forge Alliance to Transform Shipbuilding with AI & Digital Twin Technologies
• The collaboration will position India at the forefront of AI-driven maritime innovation.

The Centre for Geospatial AI and Digital Twins (CGDT) of IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) have signed a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revolutionize shipbuilding through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technologies. This strategic collaboration, undertaken in association with Neer Interactive Solutions Pvt Ltd and Andhra Mahila Sabha (AMS) Arts & Science College, will leverage the expertise of CGDT of IITH to enhance efficiency, security and sustainability in maritime operations.

Representative Image

The partnership will drive innovation by optimizing vessel design, strengthening shipyard security, and implementing advanced 360-degree surveillance solutions powered by Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI. By integrating Generative AI and Digital Twin technologies, this initiative aims to set new global standards in India's shipbuilding sector.

Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad emphasized the significance of safety in industrial operations, stating, “While Digital Twin technology is redefining industrial operations, yet safety remains an underexplored area. Through CGDT-IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Neer Interactive and Andhra Mahila Sabha, we are pioneering a holistic Geospatial AI model with 360- degree maritime security solutions. This initiative is the first of its kind in India and across Asia.”

Shri BK Upadhyay, CMD GSL expressed his happiness on the collaboration between GSL and IITH in improving maritime safety through digital technologies.

Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, highlighted the urgency of safety in shipbuilding, saying, “Manufacturing and shipbuilding safety cannot be delayed. This partnership brings cutting-edge geospatial digital twin technology to industries that need it most. We commend GSL for its visionary leadership in driving this transformation.”

Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions underscored the transformative impact of Digital Twin technology, noting, “Digital Twins are reshaping industrial processes, and when integrated with Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI, their impact is even more significant. At CGDT, we have cultivated an ecosystem blending expertise from law enforcement veterans, leading faculty, and top researchers to create validated, future-ready AI solutions for the maritime sector.”

A Landmark Advancement for India's Maritime Industry

Led by Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, Shri. B.K. Upadhyay, CMD, GSL, Cmde. A. Vasudevan (Retd.), GM(TS), GSL, Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions, and Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, this collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s AI-driven shipbuilding journey. By integrating Geospatial AI, Digital Twin, and Industry 4.0 technologies, this alliance is set to redefine ship design, manufacturing, and security standards— positioning India at the forefront of global maritime innovation.

Mahindra Group and Anduril Partner to Develop Autonomous Maritime Systems and AI Counter-UAS Tech

Mahindra Group, a global leader in innovation and technology, and Anduril Industries, an American technology company that specialises in autonomous systems, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at co-developing and co-producing state-of-the-art Autonomous Maritime Systems, advanced AI-enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) technologies and innovative Command and Control (C2) software. The collaboration seeks to strengthen regional security by deploying next-generation autonomous solutions and enhancing capabilities for maritime operations.

The partnership focuses on developing modular Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that can be rapidly deployed for Security, Surveillance, Survey, and Reconnaissance missions, significantly enhancing underwater operational capabilities. It also aims to develop advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) technologies capable of detecting and neutralizing drone threats, providing enhanced protection against unmanned aerial systems.

In parallel, the collaboration will focus on developing a sensor fusion platform to integrate multiple sensor technologies into a flexible, open API architecture, streamlining integration processes and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies across complex security programs.

Speaking on the partnership Mr. Vinod Sahay, Group Executive Board Member, Mahindra Group said, “Partnering with Anduril Industries marks a significant milestone in Mahindra Group’s commitment to developing advanced security and autonomous technologies. This collaboration combines our deep engineering expertise with Anduril’s innovative solutions to deliver cutting-edge capabilities that enhance security and address emerging threats.”

Mr. Greg Kausner, SVP- Global Defence, Anduril Industries, stated: Global security forces face a rapidly evolving set of threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms, and Autonomy is key to maintaining a credible protection. Anduril is thrilled to announce our partnership with Mahindra — we believe that our two companies together are well poised to bring cutting edge autonomy-enabled capabilities to the Indian market.

Marine Robotics Deep Tech Startup EyeROV Raises ₹ 10 Crore in Pre-Series A Led by Unicorn India Ventures

• EyeROV is the fastest growing marine robotics deeptech company specialising in underwater drone technology
• The Company aims to revolutionize industries like maritime, defense, energy and infra through its cutting edge unmanned technologies
• The company has successfully introduced India's first commercial underwater drones/ROVs and launched an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), providing solutions in India and the MENA region
• Funds raised will be used to expand in international markets and develop advanced marine robotic products
• The company aims to triple their revenue by the end of this Financial Year and boost sales in both Indian and international markets

EyeROV, a marine robotics deep-tech startup providing products and solutions in the field of underwater domain has raised INR 10 Crore ($1.2M) in a Pre-Series A round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The funds deployed will further strengthen EyeROV's geographical expansion into international markets and develop advanced marine robotics products and solutions to augment EyeROV’s current offerings. 

Founded in 2016 by IIT Alumnus Johns T Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P, EyeROV is a pioneering deep-tech company specialising in marine robotics and AI. The Company aims to revolutionise industries such as energy, maritime, defence, and infrastructure through its cutting-edge unmanned technologies.

The company has successfully introduced India's first commercial underwater drones/ROVs and launched an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that is providing solutions in both India and the MENA region. EyeROV also possesses unique capabilities for inspecting very long tunnels and pipelines and has advanced integration capabilities for specialised payloads.

Commenting on the investment, Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says “Marine robotics is a highly complex subject and developing a drone to inspect underwater infrastructure requires unmanned tech built with precision. Unicorn India has a strong DNA of a deep tech investor as we understand the teh both hardware and software aspect. As we have a strong track record of bringing out highly innovative companies from sectors that are still emerging or relatively new, we believe EyeROV’s products and solutions have a global application.”

EyeROV has seen consistent revenue growth over the past 24 months Year on Year and launched multiple new products and expanded to new industry verticals and geographies and is a leader in underwater ROV-based inspections in India's hydro sector.

With strong customer interest in India, the MENA region, and Europe, particularly in the infrastructure, power, and oil & gas sectors, EyeROV is strengthening its market presence and developing new R&D capabilities to bring unique solutions to the market.

EyeROV is also creating specialised solutions for infrastructure inspections and collaborating with defence R&D labs and forces through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) initiative to develop maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions.

Johns T Mathai, CEO, EyeROV says, "With this funding, EyeROV will be able to scale up its sales, R&D, and operations much faster. We have developed unique, differentiated solutions for underwater infrastructure inspections that have been successfully validated in the Indian market and are now ready for global expansion. Unicorn India has supported similar hardware/robotics companies in the past, and we believe this partnership will be highly beneficial."

In FY 2024, EyeROV secured multiple contracts domestically and internationally, expanding its reach through partnerships in India and the GCC region. The company serves esteemed clients such as Tata, Adani, BPCL, DRDO, and the Indian Coast Guard, having completed over 100 underwater inspections.

EyeROV plans to triple its revenue by the end of the financial year by boosting sales in both domestic and international markets. The company is set to undertake more projects in oil & gas, maritime, and infrastructure sectors, and is advancing its efforts to supply products to the Indian defence sector.

Kannappa Palaniappan P, CTO, EyeROV, adds, "This funding will accelerate the development of new products, which have been validated by market studies and numerous industry inquiries."

AI-based Port Automation Pioneer Docker Vision Raises Pre-Seed Funding Via SanchiConnect’s PreSeed Accelerator Program

Thinkuvate and SeaFund invests in the AI-based product company focusing on Port Automation

AI-based port automation pioneer, Docker Vision, recently secured preseed funding through esteemed venture capital firms Thinkuvate and SeaFund through SanchiConnect’s PreSeed Accelerator program.

The funding infusion empowers Docker Vision to not only refine its groundbreaking products further but also expand its brand, conduct additional Proof of Concepts (POCs), and consolidate its operations. Beyond acting as a monetary injection, this significant investment is a testament to the trust and belief in Docker Vision’s commitment to delivering transformative port automation solutions.

Docker Vision’s flagship AI-powered Gate OCR, or dOCR, is a game-changer in the industry. It's making waves not only by reducing waiting times and lowering carbon emissions but also introducing panoramic imaging for efficient damage detection in cargo handling—a feature that sets Docker Vision distinctly apart from competitors.

Expressing enthusiasm and gratitude for the investment, Docker Vision’s Co-Founder, Mr. Prajith Nair, noted, “This funding is vital for our journey and vision of revolutionizing the maritime industry with unparalleled automation solutions. We deeply appreciate the confidence and support from our investors, setting sail towards a horizon of innovation and substantial impact.”

SanchiConnect's contribution to Docker Vision's trajectory has been pivotal. Through strategic mentorship and invaluable guidance, SanchiConnect's Accelerator Program has been a cornerstone for Docker Vision, offering a gateway to a broad network of industry connections and collaborations.

Mr. Sunil Shekhawat, CEO and Founder of SanchiConnect said: "We are delighted to witness Docker Vision's remarkable journey and their recent funding milestone. Docker Vision's success reflects the essence of SanchiConnect's mission – to empower deep-tech startups with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive. We look forward to continuing our support for startups like Docker Vision, paving the way for transformations in various industries."

As a dedicated platform for nurturing deep-tech startups, SanchiConnect facilitates growth by providing essential resources, such as funding and strategic partnerships. With a global outlook, SanchiConnect is steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaborations between Indian tech enterprises and their international counterparts.

Looking ahead, Docker Vision, with its steadfast commitment and recent funding, is gearing up for remarkable advancements in the port automation domain. The company envisions securing additional investment shortly, anticipating substantial progress in revenue, customer acquisition, and product refinement.

In conclusion, Docker Vision, backed by Thinkuvate, SeaFund, and with strategic assistance from SanchiConnect, is poised for innovative leaps in the maritime sector. The company is charting a course for significant transformation and leadership in the realm of port automation, ready to set new benchmarks in the industry.

World's First Truly Global, Real-Time Maritime Emergency Service Launched by Iridium

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) now covers 100% of the globe with real-time satellite connectivity for the first time

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) today announced a historic achievement with the launch of the Iridium® Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) service. The system commenced operation on Friday, December 11th and with it, for the first time in history, Iridium has given seafarers a real-time emergency response and rescue service that works everywhere in the world. No other maritime emergency response system matches the coverage and real-time communications capability of the Iridium GMDSS service. The announcement came during a virtual press conference held featuring Iridium leadership, industry officials and experts.

GMDSS is an internationally regulated service, governed by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention. It provides life-saving assistance to seafarers in distress and has required equipment on board more than 60,000 ships today, with many ships carrying multiple terminals. Iridium's service functions much like an international SOS button, however, unlike other options it includes as standard real-time emergency voice calling service, distress alert (SOS button) and maritime safety information with Iridium's unmatched truly global coverage.

Iridium's GMDSS service is built on the company's upgraded $3 billion satellite network, completed in 2019, and utilizes the company's valuable L-band satellite spectrum. This spectrum serves as a weather-resilient complement to other satellite broadband capabilities on ships, aircraft and vehicles and is also a requirement for GMDSS terminals on SOLAS-class vessels. With over 1.4 million subscribers around the world, including communications systems on tens of thousands of ships and aircraft today, Iridium's GMDSS service launch epitomizes the company's commitment and tradition of creating a safer environment for the approximately 85% of the world that lacks any or reliable cell phone coverage.

The press event included remarks from Iridium CEO Matt Desch; International Maritime Organization Director of Maritime Safety Heike Deggim; International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) Director General Captain Moin Ahmed; MAERSK Master Mariner and Senior Marine Specialist Captain Brian Soberg Petersen and Rescue Coordination Center of New Zealand (RCCNZ) Watch Leader and Senior Search and Rescue Officer David Wilson.

"This is a historic moment in both the satellite and maritime industries," said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. "It is not every day that you get to announce the launch of a service that will most certainly save lives and is bringing innovation to this important maritime service."

IMO Director of Maritime Safety Heike Deggim shared, "On behalf of the International Maritime Organization, I extend my sincere congratulations to Iridium for announcing the formal launch of its GMDSS services." 

Captain Moin Ahmed, Director General of IMSO, regulator of the GMDSS system, provided some additional context regarding the qualification process for Iridium noting, "Overall, our formal evaluation of Iridium took more than four years, and at each step Iridium successfully demonstrated that its Safety Voice, Distress Alert and Iridium SafetyCastSM maritime environment broadcasts not only met all IMO requirements but in many cases exceeded them. I am proud to be a part of this event and this historic moment."

Master Mariner and Senior Marine Specialist for MAERSK Captain Brian Soberg Petersen shared his experience as part of the testing process and stated, "At Maersk, we have been very satisfied with the capabilities of the Iridium system and are presently analyzing our future communications plans, where we believe Iridium GMDSS could serve an additional function as a backup data connection as well, in lieu of our existing system."

Speaking from the Rescue Coordination Center perspective, Watch Leader and Senior Search and Rescue Officer for RCC New Zealand Dave Wilson spoke towards their experience with the new system; "Having played a significant role in the developmental testing of the Iridium GMDSS, both from shore-to-ship and the ship-to-shore pathways, this new system is the type of technological advancement that will enhance GMDSS. Our team at the Rescue Coordination Center of New Zealand, and the crew of the New Zealand research vessel that has been assisting with the testing, have been very impressed with the Iridium GMDSS system."

As the successor to safety measures originally established after the sinking of the RMS Titanic, the technological capabilities of the GMDSS have now reached a new pinnacle with voice, data, and maritime safety information (MSI) all available through one affordable terminal. The first terminal available is the Lars Thrane LT-3100S, which combines the three key GMDSS services – distress alert, distress voice and MSI. It can be used for both primary and emergency ship communications. The combination of all three services in one cost-effective terminal is a first for the industry and one that makes the GMDSS even more accessible to smaller vessels that may not otherwise be able to afford the equipment.

Desch continued, "When we started this process, there was no process. No company had ever tried to do what we have now achieved. In partnership with the IMO, U.S. Coast Guard and IMSO, a system to allow for Iridium to provide GMDSS service had to be invented."

"Developing and qualifying a GMDSS system was extremely challenging, so we didn't want to just do the minimum or what has been done before. We wanted to make our system more accessible, affordable and feature-rich," Desch stated.

Here's how it works:

Once a vessel holds down the red 'distress' button, indicating that it needs assistance, a signal is immediately routed through the Iridium satellite network and delivered in moments to a designated Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). Unique to the Iridium system, this is then followed automatically by a distress phone call, allowing the vessel to immediately speak with the RCC. The RCC then can quickly understand the nature of the emergency, while also alerting nearby vessels and local search and rescue authorities to provide the required immediate assistance.

Iridium started the process to become a GMDSS service provider in 2013 and had to meet several objectives before formally ending what was a decades-long monopoly held by another satellite company. After being recognized by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee to provide GMDSS service, Iridium has worked closely with its regulator, IMSO, to meet all conditions required for service introduction. Aside from technical integrations around the world, this has included the signing of a Public Services Agreement with IMSO in April of 2019, which details the conditions for IMSO to act as regulator and maintain oversight of Iridium's GMDSS services and a Letter of Compliance in December 2019 stating that Iridium was authorized to begin providing service when ready.

A full recording of the event will be made available at Iridium.com
For more information about Iridium GMDSS visit: www.iridium.com/gmdss

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus®. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

IIT Chennai to Develop Indigenous 'Made In India' Software Solutions for Sea Traffic Services

• Shri Mansukh Mandaviya launches “Development of Indigenous Software solution for VTS and VTMS”
• VTS/ VTMS is a software for determining vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensively manages the traffic within a port or waterway
• 'Made In India' VTS and VTMS software to pave the way for ‘Make for the world’ vessel traffic management systems: Shri Mansukh Mandaviya
• Rs. 10 Crore sanctioned to IIT, Chennai for the development of indigenous software solutions

Minister of State for Shipping (I/C) Shri Mansukh Mandaviya e-launched the development of Indigenous Software solution for Vessel traffic services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems (VTMS) in New Delhi today

In the inaugural address, Shri Mandaviya put emphasis on the development of indigenous system as per the requirement of the country instead of relying high costing foreign made software solutions for Traffic Managements of the Indian Ports.

Shri Mandaviya said that aligning with the vision of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ of Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi, ‘Made In India’ VTS and VTMS software will pave the way for ‘Make for the world’ vessel traffic management systems.

VTS and VTMS is a software which determines vessel positions, position of other traffic or meteorological hazard warnings and extensive management of traffic within a port or waterway. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic. Vessels Traffic Management Systems are installed in some of the busiest waters in the world, and are making valuable contribution to safer navigation, more efficient traffic flow, and protection of the environment. Traffic flow in busy approach routes, access channels, and harbours can be coordinated safely, in the best interest of port and its users. Incidents and emergency situations can be dealt with quickly. Data from traffic movements can be stored and used as reference information for port administration, port authorities, coastguards and search and rescue services.

VTMS is mandatory under IMO Convention SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). The VTMS traffic image is compiled and collected by means of advanced sensors such as radar, AIS, direction finding, CCTV and VHF or other co-operative systems and services. A modern VTMS integrates all of the information into a single operator working environment for ease of use and in order to allow for effective traffic organization and communication.

Presently, India has approximately 15 VTS systems operational along the Indian Coast and there is no uniformity of VTS software as each system has its own VTS software. With the indigenous software development in progress the recent positive cooperation with office of Director General of Light and Lighthouses (DGLL) on joint development of the indigenous VTMS software development as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative will strengthen the cooperation in this area. At the same time, it will benefit the port sector, both in India and region. It is expected that a prototype system will be developed in Ten-month time for testing and to operate as a parallel system until it is robust for day to day operations.

Development of the indigenous VTS software will reduce the expenditure of foreign exchange on this issue and also minimize the dependence on foreign support for VTS software. Accordingly, indigenous development of VTS software will benefit with respect to:

1. Saving of foreign exchange for various VTSs in India.
2. VTS Software can be provided to Indian trade friendly nations viz. Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Gulf countries. 
3. Will also minimize the cost for future upgradations of software. 
4. Shall be easier to interconnect with MIS/ERP softwares of ports. 
5. Availability of Indian VTS software shall make Indian companies to be competitive commercially in global bids. 

Implementation of National Maritime Domain Awareness programme of Indian Navy and NCVTS by DGLL – a real time, interactive aids to navigation system for coastal shipping shall become feasible with Indian VTS software at low cost.

Ministry of Shipping has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 10 Crore to IIT, Chennai for development of indigenous VTS software.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Chairpersons of the Major Ports and representative of IIT, Chennai were also present through virtual means during the event.