In a significant milestone for India’s deep-tech and robotics ecosystem, Planys Technologies has raised ₹100 crore in a fresh primary funding round to propel its next era of expansion. The investment, led by marquee investors Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi, also saw participation from existing backers including Pratithi Investment, Samarthya Investment Advisors, 3i Partners, Letsventure, and several angels. The round additionally enabled successful exits for Planys’ earliest supporters—demonstrating strong value creation since inception.
In this article, we will delve into Planys’ ambitious global strategy, its rapidly advancing defence business, and the cutting-edge technology powering its rise as a category-defining leader in underwater systems, while also exploring the milestones, partnerships, and innovation frameworks that enable the company to scale globally and shape the future of underwater robotics.
Credits: iTWire
A Strategic Infusion for Dual Growth Tracks
The newly announced funding will support Planys’ twin engines of growth:
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Scaling its global industrial inspection business, and
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Accelerating its defence technology vertical through its subsidiary, Planys Ark
Calling the development a “pivotal step,” Tanuj Jhunjhunwala, Co-Founder and CEO, said the capital will help strengthen solutions for some of the world’s largest organisations while advancing India’s next generation of unmanned underwater systems.
“Through our defence arm Planys Ark, we are intensifying our focus on high-impact defence opportunities,” Jhunjhunwala noted.
Pushing Boundaries in Industrial Underwater Robotics
Planys has established itself as a cutting-edge player in the global underwater inspection ecosystem. Its new wave of systems include:
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Hybrid ROVs and robotic crawlers
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AI-powered 3D Inspection Twin for infrastructure diagnostics
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Explosion-proof inspection-grade platforms
A highlight among its upcoming innovations is TankRover, an internationally certified explosion-proof ROV that allows in-service inspection of hydrocarbon storage tanks. The system promises a major shift in industrial operations by improving safety, reducing downtime, increasing inspection frequency, and cutting maintenance costs.
In a world-first achievement, Planys is currently the only company globally capable of underwater concrete testing using submersible robotic vehicles, positioning it as a category creator in underwater structural diagnostics.
Defence Innovation Takes Center Stage
Planys’ defence roadmap is advancing rapidly under Planys Ark, its newly formed subsidiary. Backed by three iDEX challenge wins, the team is designing mission-ready underwater platforms including:
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ROVs and AUVs
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Micro-AUVs for expendable missions
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Indigenous propulsion systems
These systems are being built to support national security use cases such as mine countermeasures, ISR, maritime domain awareness, and expendable deployment scenarios.
Co-Founder and CTO Vineet Upadhyay said the company plans to set up a state-of-the-art UUV manufacturing and testing facility in South Chennai, enabling scaled production and advanced underwater testing environments.
A Proven Track Record Backed by Deep IP
Founded in 2015 by IIT Madras alumni Tanuj Jhunjhunwala and Vineet Upadhyay, alongside Professors Prabhu Rajagopal and Krishnan Balasubramaniam, Planys has built an impressive moat through intellectual property and operational deployment.
The company currently holds:
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21 granted patents
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15 more filed
With 25,000+ operational hours across 500+ sites in 10+ countries, Planys has worked with major global organisations including Reliance Industries, IOCL, BPCL, Indian Railways, Shell, Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, and SABIC.
Growing Global Footprint Through Strategic Partnerships
Planys is accelerating international expansion through alliances such as:
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A partnership with Applus Velosi in Qatar, unlocking access to industrial heavyweights
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Inclusion in HUB71’s global deep-tech cohort in Abu Dhabi, providing regional launchpad access
These collaborations will help scale inspection delivery capacity, accelerate product commercialisation, and strengthen Planys’ position across both industrial and defence ecosystems.
Credits: CXOToday
A Turning Point for India’s Deep-Tech Future
With fresh capital, a strong patent portfolio, increasing global traction, and growing defence alignment, Planys Technologies stands at a defining inflection point. The next phase of its journey signals not just scaling a company—but shaping the future of India-built underwater robotics for global impact.
