Nova Spectral AI, a Bengaluru-based deeptech startup, has raised ₹21.2 crore ($2.3 million) in a seed round to advance its work on indigenous short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor chips aimed at enhancing imaging in low-light and obscured conditions.
- Seed round led by Shastra VC raised ₹21.2 Cr to develop SWIR image sensors
- Nova Spectral aims to reduce India's reliance on imported infrared sensors
- Deeptech sector funding in India increased significantly year-over-year
What happened
Nova Spectral AI, founded by IIT Kanpur graduates Anish Priyadarshi and Sanjeev Kumar earlier this year, has raised ₹21.2 crore in a seed funding round led by Shastra VC with participation from Equirus InnovateX Fund and angel investors. The startup intends to develop short-wave infrared (SWIR) image sensor chips using novel colloidal quantum dot technology integrated with standard silicon CMOS processes.
These specialized sensors will enable better image capture in challenging conditions such as low light, smoke, haze, and dust—critical for sectors including defense, surveillance, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. The funding supports expanding the team and building a field-ready prototype within 18 months, with in-principle incubation support from IISc Bengaluru.
Why it matters
India currently relies heavily on expensive imported infrared sensors based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) technology, which limits domestic control and increases costs for strategic sectors such as defense. Nova Spectral’s indigenous approach seeks to provide a homegrown alternative, aligning with India's broader push for technological self-sufficiency and defense indigenisation.
Investor interest in India’s deeptech hardware space has surged recently, with deeptech startups raising $290 million in Q3 2026 compared to $105 million in Q3 2025. This reflects growing confidence in domestic innovation capability and policy support for semiconductor design and manufacturing, particularly in strategic technologies like sensing and imaging.
What to watch next
The next 18 months will be critical as Nova Spectral works to develop and demonstrate a field-ready prototype sensor chip. Progress in scaling colloidal quantum dot fabrication and integrating it effectively with CMOS technology will be key to commercial viability and wider adoption.
Broader market dynamics, including further government incentives and large-scale investments such as those announced by international and domestic venture capital funds and companies, could accelerate deeptech innovation in India. Close attention should be paid to partnerships, regulatory developments, and deployment of these sensors across defense and autonomous tech use cases.