Nabhdrishti Aerospace Secures $3 Million to Advance Indigenous Fuel-Flexible Gas Turbine Engines

Bengaluru-based aerospace start-up Nabhdrishti Aerospace has made a significant leap forward by securing $3 million in seed funding. The funding round was led by Accel, with additional backing from IIMA Ventures and other investors, marking a strong endorsement of the company’s innovative approach to gas turbine technology.

Founded in 2023 by aerospace veterans Rohit Chouhan, Arjun Srivatsa, and Antanu Sadhu, Nabhdrishti Aerospace is on a mission to develop fuel-flexible gas turbine engines. This technology aims to reduce India's dependency on imported propulsion systems while simultaneously enhancing domestic capabilities in aerospace and defence sectors.

The newly acquired funds will be directed towards expediting the development and testing of engine prototypes. The company plans to initiate flight trials in collaboration with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers. Additionally, a portion of the investment will be used to expand Nabhdrishti’s workforce, focusing on engineering, production, and customer support functions.

One of Nabhdrishti’s key innovations is its dual-use micro gas turbine platforms designed for both aviation and industrial applications. The ND400 engine, engineered for UAVs and hybrid electric aircraft, delivers up to 400 shaft horsepower, making it a strong candidate for next-generation aerial propulsion systems. Meanwhile, the ND2000 engine, developed for industrial and defence applications, boasts a robust 2-megawatt power output, catering to heavy-duty energy and propulsion needs.

Beyond just efficiency, Nabhdrishti Aerospace is also pushing towards sustainability. The company is actively exploring the use of green hydrogen and other clean fuels to minimize carbon emissions, aligning its innovations with global trends toward eco-friendly propulsion solutions.

This funding milestone highlights the growing confidence in India’s ability to develop indigenous propulsion technologies. By advancing fuel-flexible gas turbines, Nabhdrishti Aerospace is positioning itself as a crucial player in the country’s aerospace sector. Its progress not only enhances India’s self-reliance in critical propulsion technologies but also contributes to global efforts in sustainable aviation and industrial power generation.