With backing from IAN Alpha Fund, the deeptech startup aims to develop flight-ready rotating detonation engines for defence, targeting missiles and drone platforms.
D-Propulse Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based deeptech startup focused on advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and defence, has raised INR 25 Cr (~$2.7 Mn) in a Seed round from IAN Alpha Fund.
The funding marks a key milestone for the startup, founded just last year, as it ramps up work on rotating detonation engine (RDE) technology—a promising, efficient alternative to traditional jet engines for high-speed platforms like missiles and drones.
A New Engine for India’s Defence Ambitions
Co-founded in July 2025 by Saurav Jha and Ramanujachari V, D-Propulse is betting on RDEs to revolutionize propulsion by removing moving parts, drastically reducing system complexity, and improving fuel efficiency.
- RDEs use continuous detonation waves for combustion—unlike conventional jet engines—and could offer higher thrust-to-weight ratios and smaller form factors.
- The startup claims its early prototypes have demonstrated significant size and cost reduction potential, key to mass manufacturing of strategic systems.
- D-Propulse is already in early-stage talks with the Indian military as it works toward flight-ready versions of its engines.
“With their deep R&D bench and novel propulsion architecture, D-Propulse is building a core capability that could underpin India’s future defence platforms,” said IAN Alpha Fund.
Capital to Fuel Hiring, Simulation & Testing Infrastructure
With this capital, D-Propulse plans to:
- Hire top aerospace engineers and researchers
- Expand high-performance computing and simulation capabilities
- Build limited-scale testing infrastructure for ground-based trials
- Accelerate development of flight-grade RDE prototypes
The startup’s team includes former DRDO scientists and IIT Madras researchers, with Dr. VK Saraswat—former DRDO chairman and NITI Aayog member—serving as chief mentor.
Can D-Propulse deliver India’s SpaceX moment in propulsion tech?
Deeptech and Aerospace: India’s Next Innovation Frontier
D-Propulse’s raise comes amid a resurgence in India’s deeptech and aerospace funding ecosystem:
- Deeptech funding jumped 94% YoY to $157 Mn in 2025, up from $81 Mn in 2024.
- LAT Aerospace, founded by Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal, has raised over $20 Mn, and recently tested ultra-short take-off and landing (uSTOL) aircraft.
- Other new entrants like Axirium Aerospace and Arctus Aerospace raised $3.5 Mn and $2.6 Mn, respectively.
Unlike traditional software plays, these deeptech ventures are hardware-heavy, IP-driven, and often require state alignment—but the defence and strategic value is immense.
Why RDEs Could Be a Game Changer
RDE technology isn’t new—but few have cracked scalable implementation. If successful, D-Propulse’s RDE-based systems could enable:
- Cheaper, faster missile and drone development
- Simplified manufacturing with fewer mechanical components
- Greater fuel efficiency and longer mission ranges
- Indigenous propulsion tech aligned with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat defence push
As nations vie for aerospace dominance, propulsion is the chokepoint—and D-Propulse is aiming straight at it.
TL;DR:
D-Propulse Aerospace raised INR 25 Cr from IAN Alpha Fund to build indigenous rotating detonation engines for defence and aerospace use. The startup plans to scale hiring, simulation, and testing, with flight-ready prototypes in development and military discussions underway.
AI Summary:
- Raised INR 25 Cr (~$2.7 Mn) from IAN Alpha Fund
- Developing rotating detonation engine (RDE) tech for missiles, drones
- Team includes DRDO, IIT Madras alumni; Dr. VK Saraswat as mentor
- Funds to go toward hiring, computing, and prototype testing
- Joins growing wave of Indian deeptech-aerospace startups
