Bengaluru-based defence technology start-up, Tsalla Aerospace, has raised $1 million in its first external funding round to accelerate the development of its AI-based autonomous drone systems. The round was led by Sunny Stalnaker, Executive Vice President at ASML, with the SIDBI and the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program providing the investment and equity-free grants, respectively.
Established in 2019 by Vinayak S. Tsalla and supported by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the startup concentrates on building self-sufficient AI systems that can enable drones and unmanned vehicles to follow their own way even in areas without GPS or where there are no communication signals. The main product of the company, the AI Pilot, is a tool that helps drones in making quick choices as well as finding their way in complex surroundings without the need for human guidance. Tsalla Aerospace has additionally collaborated with the Indian Army and Navy on a variety of defence projects, such as reconnaissance drones, VTOL systems, and logistics drones that can operate in difficult terrains and adverse weather conditions.
This fresh capital will help the company grow its R&D capabilities, expand its autonomy platform, and fuel its growth in the defence and industrial sectors. To back its global expansion and ventures in energy, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring, the company is also looking to launch a seed round worth of $8 million.
Instead of following the regular route of drone manufacturing that needs lesser technological advancements, Tsalla Aerospace is opting for the route of deep autonomy which in turn makes them a leader in India’s defence innovation ecosystem and they are in accordance with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for technological self-reliance.
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