A Kochi-based underwater robotics company has showcased Kerala’s growing deep-tech capabilities at a high-level India-Norway business summit during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit…reports Asian Lite News Desk
A Kochi-based underwater robotics company has gained international attention after participating in high-level India-Norway business and research discussions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Norway.
The Kerala startup, backed by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), was part of the Indian delegation at the India-Norway CEOs Roundtable and the High-Level Business and Research Summit held in Oslo. The visit marked the first standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in more than four decades.
The company’s participation highlighted the growing role of Indian deep-tech startups in global collaborations focused on advanced marine technologies, autonomous systems and the blue economy.
Representing the firm at the summit was its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, who presented a roadmap aimed at strengthening India-Norway cooperation in ocean technologies, underwater robotics and subsea engineering.
A key proposal discussed was the creation of an “India-Norway Marine Tech Innovation Corridor” to encourage collaboration in deep-tech research, green shipping, subsea technologies and autonomous underwater systems.
The proposed initiative includes joint research programmes, market access partnerships and innovation platforms involving companies and research institutions from both countries.
The Kochi firm also suggested possible areas of cooperation including aquaculture technologies, modernisation of port infrastructure, artificial intelligence-powered marine monitoring systems and predictive maintenance solutions for underwater assets.
“Norway’s global leadership in subsea engineering, offshore technology, green shipping and aquaculture makes it a natural partner for the Kochi-based firm,” the firm’s Chief Technology Officer said, adding that the summit offered a rare opportunity to showcase India’s growing maritime technology capabilities before a global audience.
Industry observers said the participation of a Kerala-based deep-tech company in such a diplomatic and business forum reflected the changing landscape of India’s innovation sector, where specialised technology startups are increasingly becoming part of international partnerships.
KSUM Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika described the company’s presence at the summit as a milestone for Kerala’s startup ecosystem and said it reflected the growing global recognition of Indian deep-tech ventures.
Founded in Kochi, the robotics firm develops industrial-grade underwater drones used for inspection and monitoring of critical marine infrastructure.
The company has also strengthened its presence in India’s underwater robotics sector after securing a Rs 47 crore contract from the Indian Navy.
Its technology portfolio includes an artificial intelligence-powered platform named EVAP, designed for marine data analytics and predictive asset management. The platform reflects the increasing use of AI in monitoring and maintaining complex underwater infrastructure.
The startup’s participation in Norway comes as India continues to expand its focus on deep technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and maritime innovation.
With Norway recognised globally for its expertise in offshore technology, shipping and marine industries, the summit provided an opportunity for Indian startups to explore partnerships in sectors linked to the future of ocean-based industries.
For Kerala’s startup ecosystem, the engagement marked another step in efforts to position the state as a hub for specialised technology companies operating in emerging global markets.
