Kerala-based EyeROV has signed an agreement with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to develop an underwater drone or remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The Kochi-based company, supported by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), secured the TDF scheme fund for developing a long-range ROV for underwater object detection and neutralization.

EyeROV will utilize the fund to develop an ROV capable of monitoring large ranges that have not yet been achieved. The system is designed for deep-sea search for lost objects and can neutralize objects of a dangerous nature. This initiative comes under the ‘Make in India’ program, promoting indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of defense and dual-use technologies.

Indigenous Products

The Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme of DRDO aims to support the development of indigenous products. As part of this initiative, the fund has invested in 75 companies, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and startups, to develop innovative products for the defense forces.

EyeROV’s co-founder, Kannappa Palaniappan, expressed pride in the partnership with the country’s defense sector and the potential revolutionary changes in underwater drone technology that the funds could bring.

Founded in 2017 by college-mates Johns T Mathai and Palaniappan, EyeRov is backed by GAIL, K Chittilappilly Trust (V-guard), and Entrepreneurship Development Centre. The agreement between the Directorate of Technology Development Fund (DTDF) and EyeROV was exchanged at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam by DTDF Director and Scientist Nidhi Bansal and EyeROV Cofounder Kannappa Palaniappan.