India’s deep-tech story is moving beyond consumer apps and online services. Two recent announcements show growing interest in technology that supports national security, power infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies has received Rs. 64.05 crore in government-backed RDI Fund support for an AI-enabled satellite intelligence project. Separately, investment firm ValueQuest has committed a combined Rs. 775 crore to three companies working in defence, precision engineering and power infrastructure.

Astrome’s AI satellite project

Astrome Technologies was founded in 2015 by Neha Satak and Prasad H. The company has worked on wireless and satellite communication technologies, including products designed to improve connectivity.

Its latest project has a different and more strategic purpose. The Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology has signed an agreement to provide Rs. 64.05 crore under the Research, Development and Innovation Fund. The project’s total estimated cost is Rs. 128.11 crore. The official PIB announcement describes the goal as a sovereign, AI-enabled Electronic Intelligence, or ELINT, satellite constellation.

ELINT means gathering and studying electronic signals. In simple terms, the planned satellites could help identify, analyze and track signal activity from space for national-security use. The project also includes AI-based ground processing and communication links between satellites.

The funding is intended to take the technology from a prototype-stage capability towards a deployable system. Astrome’s challenge will be turning a complex engineering plan into dependable hardware and software that can work in the harsh conditions of space.

Astrome operates in a demanding market alongside satellite-communications businesses and space-tech players. Its competitive landscape can overlap with companies such as Pixxel, Digantara and global satellite network providers, although each company has a different product focus. Astrome’s main advantage could be its emphasis on Indian-built technology for strategic use.

ValueQuest bets on defence and manufacturing

Mumbai-based ValueQuest has committed Rs. 775 crore across Sagar Defence Engineering, Rational Engineers and TASE Global. The investments cover autonomous defence systems, transformer components and precision manufacturing. Business Standard reported that the individual investment amounts for Sagar Defence and Rational Engineers were not disclosed.

Sagar Defence Engineering develops unmanned and autonomous systems for maritime and defence applications. Such systems can support surveillance, data collection and operations in areas where sending people may be difficult or risky.

Rational Engineers manufactures specialised copper winding conductors and insulation solutions used in power and distribution transformers. These components matter because transformers help move electricity from generation plants to homes, factories and businesses.

TASE Global is a Chennai-based precision engineering and manufacturing platform. It serves aerospace, defence, medical-technology and industrial customers. ValueQuest has separately committed Rs. 300 crore to TASE Global for capacity expansion, integration of its US operations and larger customer programmes.

Image Credit- PIB