Deeptech Marine Robotics Startup EyeROV raises Rs 13 crore in a Pre-Series A round, coinvested by AWE Funds & Unicorn India Ventures

Marine Robotics start-up EyeROV (IROV Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) has raised Rs 13 crore in a pre-Series A round co-invested by AWE Funds and Unicorn India Ventures.

Funds raised will be used to accelerate research and development, drive new product innovation, and support market expansion across India and global markets.

Founded in 2017, EyeROV operates at the intersection of marine robotics, infrastructure inspection, and defence technology. The company has successfully executed over 150 projects for more than 80 clients, including Tata Power, NHPC, Adani, ONGC, BPCL and Maersk along with engagements with defence and government organizations such as Indian Navy, DRDO,  Indian Coast Guard, and leading research institutions including NCPOR and CSIR-SERC.     

EyeROV develops advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for complex underwater inspections, featuring a proprietary long-tunnel inspection capability of up to 10 km, placing it among a select few companies globally with this level of expertise. The company integrates advanced NDT payloads, including ultrasonic testing, sonar imaging, and AI-based defect detection, enabling high-accuracy inspections, real-time reporting, and digital twin creation. EyeROV serves sectors such as power, oil & gas, ports, shipping, infrastructure (dams & bridges), disaster management, marine research, and defence. EyeROV sells products and offers Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) models to B2B and B2G, offering safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods through 24x7 autonomous operations and sustainable electric systems.     

Commenting on the fund raise, Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says,

Over the last 3 years, underwater robotics has emerged as an area of interest in India with deep tech startups demonstrating their might. We have been a believer of this even before that and our funding in EyeROV over several rounds is proof of it. With the Indian Govt pushing for a strong innovation environment and grant led funding even awarding contracts to deep tech startups, the early stage funding for such companies has picked up momentum in the last 24 months. We will continue to double down on deep tech companies in our portfolio with Unicorn-backed companies dominating the space and the oceans.”

Noting EyeROV’s significant alignment with AWE Funds’ deeptech focus, Seema Chaturvedi, Founder & Managing Partner, AWE Funds, noted

Some of the world’s most critical infrastructure such as energy pipelines, subsea cables, ports are offshore assets. They are all beneath the ocean’s surface and historically maintained through high-risk, manual, and expensive operations. We believe this is precisely where deep technology creates both outsized returns and meaningful impact. EyeROV’s ambitious vision and strong execution in marine robotics make them a standout in a globally nascent but strategically vital sector.  Our investment reflects our fund’s commitment to backing deeptech and tech led innovation in sectors that positively impact climate action. We have full confidence in the team’s leadership and their ability to build globally competitive technology from India.

“With our recent Rs 47 crore Indian Navy order and the surging demand for specialized inspections in the energy and infrastructure sectors, EyeROV has reached a clear inflection point. This funding will accelerate our trajectory as we scale our technology and expand our footprint internationally. This round serves as a strategic precursor to our $10 million Series A, for which we are already seeing strong preliminary interest from Indian and global investors” said Johns T. Mathai, Co-Founder & CEO, EyeROV

The company is addressing the global underwater infrastructure inspection market, driven by over USD 1 trillion worth of aging assets requiring regular maintenance and regulatory compliance. EyeROV estimates a total addressable market exceeding USD 13 billion globally, with the Indian market accounting for approximately USD 800 million. Prior investment rounds were led by GAIL (India) Ltd, followed by participation from the K Chittilappilly Trust, prominent angel investors, and the Venture Center Pune. Subsequent growth rounds saw backing from Unicorn India Ventures Fund III supporting the company’s scale-up and market expansion.