Suparjya swain 
FEATURE: When we think of Indian startups gaining global recognition, our minds usually turn to the booming worlds of software, fintech, or e-commerce. Rarely do we associate India with underwater robotics — a niche but critical field with immense potential. But two young minds from Odisha are changing that narrative, taking deep-tech innovation into uncharted waters. Meet Mr. Debendra Pradhan and Mr. Biswajit Swain, co-founders of Coratia Technologies, a pioneering startup that’s building India’s place on the global map of underwater robotics.
The roots of this journey trace back to 2014, when Mr. Pradhan and Mr. Swain were students at NIT Rourkela. What began as a college project in underwater robotics soon turned into a passion that won them first place at a national competition, followed by second place at an international contest in Singapore. Competing against some of the best minds in the world, they quickly realized that this space — crucial for maritime security, research, and exploration — was still vastly untapped in India.
Even as they moved on to secure high-paying jobs in multinational corporations, the spark they had ignited during their college years never truly went out. In 2021, they made a bold move — walking away from corporate comfort to pursue what most would call a high-risk dream. Thus, Coratia Technologies was born.
Like many early-stage startups, Coratia’s initial days were marked by struggles — particularly in terms of funding and infrastructure. Mr. Pradhan and Mr. Swain dipped into their own savings to kickstart the venture. But the journey gradually found momentum, thanks to the support of India’s growing startup ecosystem. They found guidance and resources through the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and received critical early-stage support from STPI Bhubaneswar.
Their alma mater, NIT Rourkela, also stood by them, along with Public Sector Units and private industries that gave them the opportunity to pilot their underwater robotic systems in real-world conditions. These partnerships proved invaluable in transforming raw ambition into a working, scalable reality.
At the heart of Coratia’s innovation is Jalsimha, a sophisticated underwater robot designed for missions ranging from mine detection to underwater surveillance. An advanced evolution of their original prototype ‘Jaldut’, Jalsimha can dive as deep as 300 meters. Equipped with a 4K camera for clear visuals, underwater GPS navigation, and mine detection and destruction capabilities, the robot has already been successfully tested in the Bay of Bengal at depths exceeding 1,000 feet.
This leap in technology has attracted the attention of the Indian Navy, which is now collaborating with Coratia to enhance India’s underwater defence infrastructure — a significant validation of the startup’s potential.
A defining moment in Coratia’s journey came when the team appeared on Shark Tank India. The episode not only gave them widespread visibility but also brought in new partnerships and clients, positioning them as a serious player in India’s deep-tech landscape.
Looking ahead, Coratia Technologies has set its sights on global expansion, particularly into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. Their focus now is on developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for both defence and industrial sectors — applications that can include oil and gas, marine research, and underwater inspection.
Mr. Pradhan and Mr. Swain’s story is not just about building a successful business — it’s a testament to what young Indian minds can achieve with vision, grit, and relentless pursuit of purpose. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in deep tech is both simple and profound:
“Dedication, skill, and patience are non-negotiable. There will be good days and hard days. But if you truly believe in your product and treat it like a precious jewel, success will find its way to you.”
From the classrooms of NIT Rourkela to collaborations with the Indian Navy and recognition on national television, Coratia Technologies is a shining example of how innovation from the heartland of India can address global challenges. In an era where most chase what’s trending, they chose to build what’s truly needed.
