Kochi-based marine robotics startup EyeROV has raised ₹13 crore ($1.44 million) in a pre-Series A funding round co-invested by AWE Funds and Unicorn India Ventures.
The fresh capital will be used to accelerate research and development, support new product innovation, and expand the company’s presence across India and international markets.
Established in 2017, EyeROV works in the marine robotics and underwater inspection space, designing and building remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for use across infrastructure, energy, and defence sectors.
EyeROV was founded by Johns T. Mathai (CEO) and Kannappa Palaniappan P. (CTO), both IIT alumni, who identified a market gap while working on requirements for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The company integrates non-destructive testing (NDT) payloads such as ultrasonic testing, sonar imaging, and AI-based inspection tools into its robotic systems, and offers both product sales and robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) models.
EyeROV claims to have executed over 150 projects for more than 80 clients across power, oil and gas, ports, shipping, and government sectors. Its client base includes Tata Power, NHPC, Adani, ONGC, BPCL, and Maersk, as well as defence and government organisations such as the Indian Navy, DRDO, and the Indian Coast Guard.
The startup recently secured an order worth ₹47 crore from the Indian Navy, its largest contract to date.
Operated by IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd, EyeROV is recognised as the company behind India’s first commercial underwater drone.
The company said the current funding round serves as a precursor to a planned $10 million Series A round, aimed at supporting global expansion.
