Manav Robotics, a deeptech startup founded by former senior executives of Ola Electric, is currently in discussions to raise its maiden funding round of approximately $15–20 million. The round is expected to see participation from prominent investors such as Blume Ventures and Qualcomm Ventures, along with potential backing from a group of Indian startup founders. However, discussions are still at an early stage, and the final structure of the deal has yet to be confirmed.

The startup was founded in early 2025 by Suvonil Chatterjee and Slokarth Dash, both of whom previously held key leadership roles at Ola’s electric mobility and ride-hailing businesses. Chatterjee served as the chief product and technology officer at Ola Electric and was known as a close associate of Bhavish Aggarwal, while Dash led strategy and fleet operations within the organization. Their combined experience in scaling technology-driven platforms has laid the foundation for Manav Robotics’ ambitious vision in the robotics space.

Since its inception, Manav Robotics has been bootstrapped, relying on personal investments from its founders. The company is now seeking external capital to accelerate product development, expand its research capabilities, and strengthen its position in the rapidly growing industrial robotics sector. The timing of this fundraising effort aligns with increasing investor interest in deeptech and hardware-driven startups in India.

Manav Robotics is focused on building advanced robotic systems designed for industrial applications, particularly in manufacturing environments. One of its key innovations is a robotic hand capable of sensing touch, force, and position, enabling it to perform complex tasks with high precision. Unlike traditional robotic systems that rely heavily on visual data and pre-programmed instructions, the company is developing technology that allows machines to “feel” and adapt based on physical interaction with objects.

This approach is part of a broader trend often referred to as “physical AI,” where machines learn not just from data and images but from real-world interactions. The concept is gaining traction as industries look for more reliable and flexible automation solutions. By incorporating tactile feedback and sensory awareness, Manav Robotics aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of robotic systems in tasks such as assembly, handling delicate components, and operating in dynamic environments.

To support its innovation, the startup has also developed specialized “contact gloves” designed to capture human hand movements and translate them into robotic actions. These gloves allow factory workers to act as data sources, enabling robots to learn directly from human behavior. The collected data includes critical elements such as pressure, grip, and motion, which are essential for replicating real-world tasks with precision. The company plans to patent this technology, which could become a key differentiator in the competitive robotics market.

Manav Robotics is already working with automotive and component manufacturers, deploying its contact gloves to gather large volumes of real-world production data. This data is then used to train its AI models, helping robots better understand how to interact with objects and perform tasks reliably. The ability to learn from physical interaction rather than just visual input could significantly enhance the practical usability of robots in industrial settings.

The Indian robotics ecosystem has seen a surge in activity over the past year, with multiple startups attracting significant funding. Companies such as General Autonomy, CynLr, and Ati Motors have raised capital to develop innovative solutions across various sectors. This growing interest reflects a broader shift toward automation and advanced manufacturing technologies in India.

As the country’s manufacturing and hardware ecosystem continues to evolve, robotics is emerging as a key area of innovation and investment. With its focus on tactile intelligence and real-world interaction, Manav Robotics is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. If the funding round materializes successfully, it could provide the company with the resources needed to scale its technology and play a significant role in shaping the future of industrial automation in India.