Planys Technologies, a deep-tech leader in underwater robotics and advanced inspection solutions, today announced that it has raised ₹100 crore in primary funding to propel the next phase of its global expansion. The investment is led by marquee investors Ashish Kacholia and Lashit Sanghvi, with participation from existing investors including Pratithi Investment, Samarthya Investment Advisors, 3i Partners, Letsventure and angel investors. The round also enabled exits for Planys’ earliest supporters, reflecting strong value creation since inception. This fresh capital supports Planys’ twin growth strategy: scaling its industrial inspection business across global markets and accelerating its fast-growing defence technology roadmap through its newly created subsidiary, Planys Ark.
Commenting on the fundraise, Tanuj Jhunjhunwala, CEO & Co‑Founder, Planys said, “This capital infusion marks a pivotal step in Planys’ journey. This enables us to enhance our solutions for some of the world’s largest organisations, while concurrently developing India’s next generation of unmanned underwater systems. Through our defence arm – Planys Ark, we are intensifying our focus on high impact defence opportunities”
Deepening its core industrial vertical, Planys is advancing a new generation of underwater robotic systems, using hybrid ROVs and robotic crawlers, as well as an AI‑powered 3D Inspection Twin for advanced testing of critical infrastructure. Planys’ upcoming internationally certified, explosion‑proof ROV TankRover enables in‑service inspection of hydrocarbon storage tanks, boosting safety, increasing inspection frequency, and cutting downtime and costs. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Planys is currently the only company globally with the technology for underwater concrete testing using submersible robotic vehicles, specifically for infrastructure.
Vineet Upadhyay, CTO & Co‑Founder, Planys, said, “With Planys Ark, we are fast-tracking a new generation of indigenous underwater systems designed to elevate India’s defence capability to global standards. Our fully India-built technologies enable mission-ready, customisable UUV solutions for complex and evolving operational scenarios.” Upadhyay added, “To support this expansion, we intend to build a state‑of‑the‑art unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) production facility in South Chennai, featuring advanced fabrication and underwater testing infrastructure.” Backed by three iDEX challenge wins, Planys’ product portfolio covers a wide range of ROVs and AUVs, including micro AUVs for expendable use cases. Planys has also developed indigenous propulsion systems that power its product lines, reducing future dependence on foreign OEMs for mission‑critical applications such as mine countermeasures, ISR, and expendable missions.
Founded in 2015 by IIT Madras graduates Tanuj Jhunjhunwala and Vineet Upadhyay, along with Professors Prabhu Rajagopal and Krishnan Balasubramaniam, Planys has emerged as a category creator in advanced underwater systems. Its proprietary platforms are engineered for environments that have historically remained inaccessible, from ultra‑turbid water to complex structural testing applications in marine and industrial structures. Planys holds 21 granted patents with an additional 15 patents filed, highlighting its strong innovation and deep IP portfolio.
With more than 25,000 hours of successful operational deployment across 500 sites in 10+ countries serving 150+ users, Planys has built a robust global track record across Singapore, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and the Netherlands. The company’s clientele includes industry leaders such as Reliance Industries, IOCL, BPCL, MSRDC, Indian Railways, ExxonMobil, Shell, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC. Planys raised ₹43 crore in April 2024 in an equity infusion led by Ashish Kacholia.
Lead investor Ashish Kacholia, who has doubled down with a fresh investment, said, “Planys has demonstrated exceptional technology depth and strong commercial traction. Its in-house platforms uniquely position the company to lead across industrial and defence applications.”
Planys is expanding its international footprint through strategic partnerships. Its collaboration with Applus Velosi in Qatar unlocks high‑value industrial clients, while HUB71’s global deep‑tech cohort in Abu Dhabi links pathways to the regional and global ecosystem. These alliances position Planys to scale its global inspection delivery capability, commercialise new NDT and AI‑driven products, accelerate manufacturing of unmanned systems, and serve both industrial and defence customers with world‑class, India‑built underwater technology.
