As India pushes towards self-reliance in strategic technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, a Visakhapatnam-based startup is quietly proving that world-class marine innovation can be designed, developed and manufactured entirely in the country.
Through Oceanautics, founder Abhishek Bokinala is building indigenous underwater technologies that are reducing dependence on imports while strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
The company designs and manufactures remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) and critical subsea components, contributing to India’s self-reliance in underwater technology.
Its solutions are finding applications across defence, maritime security, ocean research and search-and-rescue operations.
By manufacturing locally, the startup offers customised solutions, faster deployment and easier maintenance while reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.
The company is also helping build a marine robotics ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh by creating opportunities for engineers in a highly specialised field. Oceanautics follows a diversified revenue model through the sale of its flagship platforms—Hydrobot, Jalyaan and Sagarsuraksha—along with funded research and development projects, technology integration partnerships, and annual maintenance services. Significantly, the company has grown without raising external capital.
The startup claims to have delivered customised solutions for defence PSUs, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IITs and private defence firms across 17 states.
In addition, it has served nearly 95 clients, including DRDO, the Indian Navy, CSIR laboratories, the National Institute of Ocean Technology and IITs.
According to Bokinala, customers value the company’s ability to develop mission-specific solutions instead of standard catalogue products, supported by quick local service.
Looking ahead, Oceanautics plans to strengthen its indigenous sensor portfolio by developing technologies such as Doppler Velocity Logs, sonar systems, acoustic modems and subsea power solutions, while expanding manufacturing and investing in autonomous systems that will power the next generation of intelligent marine robots and support future global collaborations.
Below is a brief snapshot of the startup:
Founder: Abhishek Bokinala
Incubated / Started in the Year: 2021
Industry: Marine Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Number of team members: 8
Funding Received: None. Bootstrapped
Looking For: Capital, Defence&offshore partnerships
Claim to Fame: Developed Biomorph, an indigenous bio-inspired AUV
Market of Operation: India, expanding into international defence and research markets
Revenues: Over Rs 8.5 crore (cumulative)
Company Culture:
Aggressive Methodical Easy-Going
Person that inspires me (PTIM): My father, who is also our COO. Because he brings steadiness and attention to detail to everything he does.
