India’s deeptech ecosystem is drawing growing attention from prominent entrepreneurs, and the latest to double down on frontier innovation is Deepinder Goyal. The founder of Zomato is reportedly in advanced stages of investing around $1 million (approximately ₹9 crore) in space technology startup Kalam Labs.
The proposed investment is part of a larger $5–7 million funding round that could also see participation from deeptech-focused investor Globaz Technologies. The move highlights Goyal’s increasing interest in high-risk, high-impact technologies such as aerospace, space systems, and longevity science.
Credits: Storyboard18
Kalam Labs: Building Near-Space Drones
Founded in 2018 and based in Lucknow, Kalam Labs is developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of flying into the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere far above the range of most conventional drones.
The company’s drones are designed with minimal thermal signatures, making them significantly harder to detect using radar systems. Their near-space operational capability allows them to perform missions that traditionally require far more expensive aerial platforms.
According to the founders, the technology is particularly notable because:
-
The manufacturing cost is comparable to a standard drone
-
The capability approaches that of mini fighter jets
-
The UAVs can operate at extremely high altitudes
Such features could make these drones valuable for defence surveillance, intelligence gathering, and high-altitude missions.
From EdTech Platform to Aerospace Startup
Interestingly, Kalam Labs did not begin as a drone company. The startup was originally launched as an edutainment platform focused on live science classes for children, combining entertainment and learning to make STEM education engaging.
Over time, the founders pivoted toward hardware and aerospace innovation, eventually focusing on building high-altitude drones capable of near-space operations.
The company was founded by Harshit Awasthi, Sashakt Tripathi, and Ahmad Faraaz, who graduated from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani around 2022.
Their journey from educational content to aerospace engineering reflects a broader trend among Indian startups increasingly venturing into deeptech sectors such as space, robotics, and defence technology.
Shark Tank Buzz and Pop Culture Moment
Kalam Labs recently captured widespread public attention after the founders pitched their startup on the reality show Shark Tank India. During the episode, the company secured backing from Aman Gupta, adding further credibility to its ambitious vision.
The startup had already gained visibility earlier when its drone technology was associated with the Indian film Fighter starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone.
These appearances helped bring the relatively niche near-space drone technology into mainstream discussion.
Growing Momentum for Drone Tech in India
The interest in drone technology has accelerated significantly in India over the past year, especially as drones become increasingly important in modern warfare, border surveillance, and defence intelligence.
Recent military developments and operations have demonstrated the strategic importance of UAVs, pushing governments and private investors to explore new innovations in the space.
As a result, startups working on high-altitude drones, satellite systems, and aerospace technologies have begun attracting stronger investor attention.
Kalam Labs’ ability to operate in the stratosphere — much higher than most commercial drones — places it in a relatively unique position within the emerging ecosystem.
Deepinder Goyal’s Expanding Deeptech Portfolio
For Deepinder Goyal, the investment would represent another step in building a diversified portfolio of frontier technology ventures.
Although the $1 million cheque would be one of his smaller bets, it fits into a broader strategy of supporting long-gestation, innovation-driven companies.
Over the past year, Goyal has increasingly backed ventures operating in advanced technology sectors. He has previously explored investments in space technology startup Pixxel, while also building his own ventures such as:
-
Temple, a wearable technology company that raised $54 million from investors including Peak XV Partners and Info Edge
-
Continue, a research initiative focused on longevity and life-extension science
-
LAT Aerospace, an aviation venture developing short-duration flight technologies
Credits: Business Review Line
A New Chapter After Zomato
Earlier this year, Goyal stepped down as CEO of Zomato’s parent entity, Eternal. The move, he said, would allow him to pursue ideas that might not align with the company’s risk appetite.
By investing in startups like Kalam Labs, Goyal appears to be leaning deeper into experimental and breakthrough technologies, signaling a shift from building consumer internet businesses to backing long-term scientific innovation.
If the Kalam Labs investment materializes, it would further highlight how India’s deeptech startups are beginning to attract attention not only from venture capital firms but also from influential founders willing to fund ambitious technological bets.
