Green Aero, a promising deeptech startup incubated at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has successfully raised $1.6 million in a seed funding round led by pi Ventures, with participation from early-stage venture capital firm Antler. Founded in late 2023 by aerospace innovator Prithwish Kundu, Green Aero is on a mission to transform India’s aerospace propulsion landscape by developing cutting-edge, efficient, and eco-friendly aero engines.
Breaking New Ground with Hydrogen-Powered Aero Engines
One of Green Aero’s landmark achievements is the successful test-firing of The Blue Dragon, India’s first hydrogen-based aero engine core. This breakthrough represents a significant stride towards clean, zero-emission aviation technology, aligning with global trends focused on sustainability and reduced carbon footprints. The startup aims to commercialize hydrogen-powered engines that offer twice the efficiency of existing global models, positioning India as a leader in next-generation aerospace propulsion.
Visionary Leadership with Global Expertise
Prithwish Kundu, the founder of Green Aero, brings a wealth of international experience, having worked as a research scientist at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and collaborated with NASA and the U.S. Army. His vision is to make India self-reliant in aero engine technology, reducing dependence on imports for defence and civil aviation sectors.
Focus on Defence and Civil Aviation Propulsion
India has historically relied heavily on imported turbine engines for high-performance drones, aircraft, and naval vessels. Green Aero aims to bridge this strategic gap by developing proprietary propulsion platforms tailored for aerospace and maritime applications. The startup’s technology roadmap includes:
Launching a small-category engine platform within the next 12 months
Developing larger, high-thrust engines capable of supersonic propulsion
Pioneering green hydrogen-based engines for civil aviation with zero emissions
Funding to Accelerate R&D and Infrastructure
The $1.6 million capital infusion will be channelled into expanding Green Aero’s research and development activities, establishing an in-house engine testing facility, and scaling up its engineering and operations teams. This investment marks a critical milestone for India’s nascent aerospace startup ecosystem, enabling Green Aero to accelerate product development and prepare for commercial pilots in collaboration with defence and aviation partners.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Shubham Sandeep, Managing Director at pi Ventures, highlighted the significance of Green Aero’s work:
“India has historically lagged in aerospace innovation, but that’s changing fast. Green Aero is building world-class aero engines from the ground up in India, with a laser-sharp focus on efficiency and performance.”
The Road Ahead: India’s Aerospace Renaissance
With the global aviation industry pivoting towards sustainability and cleaner propulsion technologies, Green Aero’s pioneering efforts come at a crucial time. By integrating proprietary turbine technology and hydrogen fuel systems, the startup is set to disrupt traditional aerospace manufacturing and position India as a hub for advanced propulsion innovation.
Why This Matters for India
Strategic Independence: Reducing reliance on foreign imports for critical aero engines enhances national security.
Sustainability: Hydrogen-powered engines promise significant reductions in carbon emissions, supporting India’s climate goals.
Technological Leadership: Developing supersonic and high-efficiency engines places India on the global aerospace innovation map.
Economic Growth: Boosting the domestic aerospace sector can create high-skilled jobs and attract further investments.
Conclusion
Green Aero’s $1.6 million seed funding is more than just capital—it’s a vote of confidence in India’s ability to innovate in deeptech aerospace. As the startup pushes boundaries with hydrogen propulsion and supersonic engine technology, it is paving the way for a cleaner, self-reliant, and technologically advanced aerospace future for India.