Green Aero Secures $1.6M to Pioneer Next-Gen Aero Engines in India

Introduction

In a significant boost to India’s aerospace innovation, Green Aero, a deeptech startup incubated at IIT Delhi, has raised $1.6 million in a Seed funding round. The round, led by pi Ventures and supported by Antler, follows a $240,000 raise in September 2024 from Rebalance and other investors. Founded in 2023 by Prithwish Kundu, a former research scientist at the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, Green Aero is poised to disrupt the aerospace, naval, and civil aviation sectors with its cutting-edge propulsion technologies.

Funding to Fuel Innovation

Strategic Allocation of Capital

The $1.6 million infusion will drive Green Aero’s ambitious plans to advance its research and development (R&D) efforts, establish a state-of-the-art in-house testing facility, and expand its team of engineers and operational experts. A key focus is accelerating the go-to-market strategy for its first small-category aero engine, slated for commercialization within the next 12 months. The funds will also lay the groundwork for a larger engine platform, positioning Green Aero as a trailblazer in India’s aerospace ecosystem.

Building on Early Success

This latest funding builds on the $240,000 raised earlier in 2024, signaling strong investor confidence in Green Aero’s vision. The startup’s ability to attract backing from prominent investors like pi Ventures, known for supporting deeptech ventures, and Antler, a global early-stage VC, underscores its potential to address critical gaps in India’s aerospace technology landscape.

Revolutionizing Propulsion Technology

Proprietary Turbine Technology

Green Aero is developing next-generation aero engines that promise double the efficiency of current global standards. At the heart of this innovation is a proprietary turbine technology, described as a world-first in aero engine design. This technology aims to deliver superior performance, catering to both defense and civilian aviation needs. The startup’s focus on in-house R&D and rigorous testing ensures that its solutions are built from the ground up, tailored to modern requirements.

Hydrogen-Powered Breakthrough

A landmark achievement for Green Aero is the successful test-firing of “The Blue Dragon,” India’s first hydrogen-based aero engine core. This milestone positions the startup as a pioneer in sustainable aviation, offering a high-efficiency, zero-emission alternative to conventional propulsion systems. Additionally, Green Aero is exploring supersonic propulsion, leveraging its engines’ high-thrust capabilities to push the boundaries of aerospace technology.

Addressing India’s Aerospace Gap

Reducing Reliance on Imports

India has long depended on imported turbine engines for its defense and aviation sectors. Green Aero aims to change this by developing indigenous propulsion systems. “We are building core propulsion technology for aerospace, naval, and hydrogen-powered civil aircraft, a first for India,” said founder Prithwish Kundu in an interview with ET. Kundu’s experience collaborating with NASA and the US Army brings global expertise to this mission, ensuring that Green Aero’s solutions meet international standards.

A Vision for Global Impact

“India has historically lagged in aerospace innovation, but the tide is turning,” said Shubham Sandeep, Managing Director at pi Ventures. “Green Aero is building world-class aero engines from scratch, with a sharp focus on efficiency and performance.” This sentiment reflects the startup’s potential to not only serve India’s needs but also compete on the global stage.

The Road Ahead

Commercialization and Expansion

Green Aero’s immediate priority is to commercialize its small-category engine within the next 12 months. Concurrently, the startup is laying the foundation for a larger engine platform, which could have applications in both defense and commercial aviation. The establishment of an in-house testing facility will be critical to ensuring the reliability and scalability of its technologies.

Talent Acquisition

To support its growth, Green Aero plans to expand its team, bringing in top talent across engineering and operations. This will strengthen its capacity to innovate and execute its go-to-market strategy effectively.

Conclusion

Green Aero’s $1.6 million Seed funding marks a pivotal moment for India’s aerospace sector. By combining cutting-edge technology, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to indigenous innovation, the startup is well-positioned to redefine propulsion systems for defense and civil aviation. As Green Aero prepares to launch its first engine and scale its operations, it stands as a beacon of India’s growing prowess in deeptech and aerospace innovation.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 3:23 pm by Siddhant Jain

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