These Founders from Odisha turned their college project into a deep-tech startup that builds Make-in-India Underwater Robots for Indian Navy

When it comes to exploring the depths of oceans, rivers, ports and docks, humans face limits—especially when it comes to inspection, maintenance and surveillance. 

Coratia Technologies, a deep-tech startup based in Rourkela, Odisha, is changing that by building underwater robots that can inspect, map, and monitor areas where humans cannot safely go. 

Founded by Debendra Pradhan and Biswajit Swain, the company develops both industrial and defence robots, helping industries and authorities carry out underwater inspections efficiently and safely.

Meet the Founders: Debendra Pradhan and Biswajit Swain

Debendra Pradhan and Biswajit Swain met at NIT Rourkela, where they studied Mechanical Engineering with a focus on mechatronics and automation. From early on, they were passionate about robotics and formed a student research team to build underwater robots from scratch.

“The foundation of our company was laid back in our college days,” said Debendra.

Even as students, they noticed the lack of advanced underwater robotics in India and wanted to create solutions for industrial and defence applications.

Their Story: From a College Project to Real-World Underwater Robots

Their student research team at NIT Rourkela participated in several national and international competitions, gaining exposure to global standards and learning about India’s gaps in underwater robotics.

Debendra explained, “So there we emerged victorious and got an outlook of how the world of underwater robotics looks—what the market demand is, what the unfulfilled needs are, and how many players are there. That is why we decided to start this full time.”

He further added, “After graduating, both of us did corporate jobs in different places—some time in India, some time abroad. It was always in the plan to start this full time. So in 2021 we exited and started this full time, and the company was officially started.”

With support from NGIS, MeitY, DST, STPI, and the Government of Odisha, they built prototypes, conducted research, and tested ideas. Over the next few years, Coratia grew from a small lab-based team into a full-scale startup serving both industrial and defence clients.

About Coratia Technologies

Headquartered in Rourkela, Odisha, Coratia Technologies builds autonomous and remotely operated underwater robots. Their robots are used for industrial inspections, mapping, surveillance, and maintenance, as well as defence applications.

Main products include:

• Jalasimha – Naval-grade UWROV for the Indian Navy

• Jaladuta / Jaladuta – Commercial ROV for industrial inspections

• Oceanus & Navya – Surface and underwater systems with AI and sonar

Coratia’s robots combine cameras, sonar, GPS/USBL/DVL navigation, robotic arms, and AI analytics. Higher-end models can operate at depths of 300 meters or more.

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Jaladuta: Commercial Industrial Underwater Robot

Jaladuta is designed for industrial clients, inspecting bridges, dams, water pipelines, ports, and ship hulls safely, reducing the need for divers.

Debendra said, “The first product we developed was Jaladuta. After that, we piloted it at several places like Tata Steel, SAIL Rourkela, and SAIL Bokaro. After piloting, we got some real contracts and pursued them.”

Key Features of Jaladuta:

• Dual 4K cameras with powerful lights for clear video in low-visibility water.

• Multibeam sonar and stereo vision for mapping and movement.

• Compact hydrodynamic design with six degrees of freedom for precise movement in tight spaces.

• Robotic arm for interacting with underwater objects.

• GPS, USBL, and DVL positioning systems for accurate mapping.

Jaladuta is sold as a system and also offered as inspection-as-a-service, providing sonar maps, videos, and engineering reports.

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Jalasimha: Naval-Grade Underwater Robot

Jalasimha is a high-end naval UWROV developed under the iDEX program for the Indian Navy. It has been tested in the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and inland water bodies.

Debendra said, “The underwater robot Jalasimha that we developed is probably one of the only compact systems in its category that still carries such extensive surveillance capabilities and can operate in almost all kinds of

water conditions. There are many underwater robotics companies, but such a versatile, compact, and high-end product does not exist as per my knowledge.”

Key Features of Jalasimha:

• Sonar-based mapping and inspection for hull cleaning and surveillance.

• Real-time AI data analytics for operational insights.

• Multi-environment readiness – coastal areas, harbours, open sea, and inland water.

• TRL-9 certified, the highest operational readiness level.

Jalasimha provides the Indian Navy a homegrown solution, reducing reliance on foreign systems.

Shark Tank India Experience

Coratia Technologies appeared on Shark Tank India Season 3 to sho

wcase their underwater robotics. On the show, Ritesh Agarwal and Vineeta Singh made offers, and the founders verbally accepted Ritesh’s offer because it had no royalty and matched their valuation.

Debendra Pradhan said, “Shark Tank was a good experience for us. It gave us exposure to a much larger audience.”

Before the paperwork was completed, MGF Kawach and other defence-focused investors came in with a larger, strategic investment. Coratia chose MGF Kawach as the lead investor, while keeping Shark Tank investors as potential side investors.

The show gave Coratia visibility and recognition, while the defence-focused funding provided scale and a clear path for growth.

Coratia Technologies’ Funding, Revenue & Business Model

Coratia Technologies has raised funds through multiple rounds to support its growth. Early funding came from NGIS and MeitY grants, totaling around ₹1 crore, which helped the team build prototypes and carry out research. 

Later, the iDEX program provided support for defence projects, giving the team a chance to work on high-end solutions for the Indian Navy. As the company grew, it raised about ₹17 crore from MGF Kavachh to scale defence operations, along with around ₹5 crore in pre-series funding to accelerate production of Jalasimha.

The company earns revenue through two main channels. Commercial ROVs like Jaladuta are leased by clients to provide inspection services, offering recurring steady income. 

Defence ROVs like Jalasimha were sold directly to the Indian Navy, bringing in larger contracts. Coratia combines product sales with service offerings, helping clients with underwater inspection, mapping, and surveillance. The team takes pride in seeing their technology at work—whether it’s mapping a riverbed for a steel plant or supporting the Navy in coastal operations. 

This mix of industrial and defence work keeps the company grounded while also pushing the limits of what their underwater robots can do.

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Rs 66 Cr Indian Navy Contract: A Major Step for Indigenous Underwater Robotics

The Indian Navy signed a ₹66 crore contract with Odisha-based Coratia Technologies for its flagship Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (UWROVs), Jalasimha.

The recent INR 66 crore Indian Navy Contract for indigenously developed Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles marked the first large-scale induction of Indian built UWROVs for maintenance, surveillance, mine clearance, salvaging and inspection of submerged infrastructure.

It is a multi-year deployment and maintenance deal, with more than 60% of the contract slated for completion within the next 12-18 months all executed within a mission-critical defence environment, with iDEX as a key partner and bridge between Coratia and The Ministry of Defence.

“The deal proves both Coratia’s ability to design mission-critical underwater systems and the Navy’s commitment to Make in India and innovation,” said CEO Debendra Pradhan.

CTO Biswajit Swain added, “Induction of indigenous UWROVs not only reduces costs and reliance on foreign suppliers but also combats trade restrictions and tariff uncertainties.”

The Road Ahead

Coratia Technologies is focusing on completing the Navy contract efficiently, expanding commercial applications of Jalasimha, Jaladuta, Navya, and Oceanus in ports, oil & gas, and infrastructure projects, and exploring international markets for export opportunities. 

They are also developing more underwater robots with different depth, endurance, and payload capacities powered by AI. 

Debendra and Biswajit continue to focus on making underwater work safer and faster for both industrial and defence clients.

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