Underwater robotics startup EyeROV wins ₹47 crore Indian Navy…

Sarah J · 2025-10-17T17:27:01.000Z

Indian marine robotics startup EyeROV has secured a ₹47 crore contract from the Indian Navy to supply advanced Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs), marking a strategic boost to the Navy’s underwater surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities with indigenously developed systems. Headquartered in Kochi, EyeROV will deliver its field‑tested platforms—including the TROUT, a military‑grade, 300‑metre depth‑rated ROV engineered for challenging missions—validated in environments from the frigid Antarctic Sea to deep‑water volcanic studies exceeding 400 metres. Founded in 2016–2017 by Johns T. Mathai (CEO) and Kannappa Palaniappan P (CTO), EyeROV has completed more than 100 deployments across India, West Asia, Asia‑Pacific, and Europe. Its customer roster spans the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Coast Guard, CSIR, NCPOR, and leading industrial groups. The company’s portfolio includes the EyeROV TUNA observation‑class ROV, the TROUT ROV, and the iBoat Alpha autonomous surface vessel, supported by AI‑powered data analytics. “EyeROV has engineered underwater systems tested in the harshest conditions. This partnership with the Navy is proof that Indian innovation can set benchmarks globally in defence deep‑tech,” said cofounder Kannappa Palaniappan P. Co‑founder and CEO Johns T. Mathai added, “We sincerely thank the iDEX and Navy teams for their support in fostering advanced indigenous solutions. Our vision has always been to serve the nation by delivering technologies that are at par with global standards.” EyeROV’s funding to date totals a little over $2 million, including a ₹10 crore pre‑Series A round led by Unicorn India Ventures in 2024. The startup has also received support and grants from Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), and other ecosystem partners. Key individuals associated with EyeROV include founders Johns T. Mathai and Kannappa Palaniappan P; investors such as Unicorn India Ventures; and ecosystem enablers like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence). The Navy contract arrives amid India’s broader push for defence self‑reliance. Recent data indicates an accelerated tilt toward indigenous procurement, with the Ministry of Defence awarding a majority of FY25 contracts to domestic entities. For EyeROV, the deal validates years of rigorous R&D, field trials, and mission‑ready engineering—positioning the company among India’s most credible defence deep‑tech players in undersea systems.

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Underwater robotics startup EyeROV wins ₹47 crore Indian Navy… | SEINET