In a significant development for India’s deep-tech ecosystem, Vimano, a nanotechnology startup based in India, has successfully raised INR 25 crore ($2.7 million) in seed funding. Leading this round, Ankur Capital, a venture capital firm known for backing early-stage deep-tech and impact-driven startups, placed strong confidence in Vimano’s bold mission to transform clean energy systems through next-generation nanomaterials. This milestone underlines the growing investor interest in cutting-edge technologies that tackle global climate and energy challenges.
A Vision for Clean Energy Through Nanotechnology
Vimano isn’t just another tech startup. It brings a clear vision to the table: develop advanced nanomaterial-based membranes that increase the efficiency of clean energy systems such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and carbon capture units. The company’s approach integrates material science, precision engineering, and sustainability to address critical bottlenecks in the global clean energy transition.
While renewable energy technologies like solar and wind have advanced, storage and transmission efficiency still pose a major challenge. Vimano aims to fill this gap by innovating in membrane technology, a crucial component in fuel cells and hydrogen-based systems. By doing so, the company hopes to reduce energy losses, cut system costs, and push clean energy tech toward mainstream adoption.
Backing from Ankur Capital
Ankur Capital’s involvement represents more than just financial support. The firm brings mentorship, strategic connections, and long-term vision to the table. Ankur has previously backed successful deep-tech ventures such as String Bio and Agricx, and it continues to build a strong portfolio in sustainable technologies.
In a statement, Ritu Verma, Managing Partner at Ankur Capital, said:
“Vimano has shown us what the future of energy systems can look like. Their core technology has the potential to shift efficiency standards across industries. We are thrilled to support a team so dedicated to solving one of humanity’s most urgent problems—sustainable energy.”
The fund infusion will allow Vimano to expand its R&D operations, invest in advanced lab infrastructure, and build a specialized team of materials scientists and energy engineers. The company also plans to file additional patents and test its prototypes in real-world industrial settings over the next 18 months.
The Founding Team: Deep Expertise Meets Bold Execution
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Neha Rane and Arvind Sinha, Vimano draws from years of academic research and industry experience in material science and clean energy systems. Dr. Rane holds a Ph.D. in Nanomaterials from IIT Bombay and has previously worked at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune. Arvind Sinha, a former energy consultant with McKinsey, brings operational acumen and business strategy to the team.
Together, they identified a gap in commercially viable membranes for next-gen clean energy systems. While large international players like 3M and Ballard Power dominate the membrane market, they often lack the regional customization and cost optimization that emerging markets demand. Vimano fills this niche by designing highly adaptable membranes tailored to local environmental conditions and industrial needs.
“We wanted to build something truly impactful—something rooted in science but scalable for real-world applications. Our membranes can increase energy conversion efficiency by up to 20%, and we are just getting started,” Dr. Rane shared during a press briefing.
A Thriving Nanotech Ecosystem
India has slowly emerged as a key player in the global nanotechnology race. Government schemes such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage’ have created a fertile ground for deep-tech startups. However, funding for such ventures remains scarce compared to SaaS or consumer tech startups. Vimano’s seed round breaks that trend and signals a shift in investor focus toward climate tech, deep science, and frontier materials.
This funding round also comes at a time when India has ramped up efforts to localize clean energy manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. The Indian government has committed over $2 billion in subsidies for hydrogen production and electrolyzer development under its National Green Hydrogen Mission. Vimano’s tech fits perfectly into this policy landscape.
Strategic Roadmap Ahead
Vimano has laid out a structured roadmap for its next phase of growth. First, the team will scale its pilot manufacturing facility in Pune. The startup already possesses a small-scale prototype lab where it produces membrane sheets using a proprietary coating method that enhances surface conductivity and chemical resistance. The next step involves deploying these membranes in test units with industrial partners.
Vimano has begun discussions with two leading energy infrastructure companies in India and Southeast Asia to integrate its membrane technology into hydrogen-based fuel cells and industrial carbon capture systems. These collaborations could set the stage for commercial rollouts in 2026.
In addition to fuel cells, Vimano plans to explore applications in desalination, wastewater treatment, and air filtration, all of which rely heavily on membrane technologies. This diversification not only reduces market risk but also opens up new revenue streams across sectors.
Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Despite its promising start, Vimano faces challenges typical of deep-tech startups. Scaling production without compromising quality, navigating regulatory approvals, and proving product longevity in real-world conditions will test the company’s resilience. Additionally, global giants like DuPont, Gore, and Toray continue to dominate membrane R&D and manufacturing, making market entry difficult.
However, Vimano believes that its edge lies in customization, cost-efficiency, and adaptability for emerging markets. While big players focus on bulk manufacturing, Vimano offers flexibility—an advantage in industries that require frequent process tweaks and regional compliance.
Industry Reactions
The Indian deep-tech community has received the news of Vimano’s funding with enthusiasm. Many consider it a pivotal moment that could inspire more scientists and engineers to turn research into scalable ventures.
Dr. Piyush Mehra, an energy policy expert at IISc Bangalore, said:
“This isn’t just a funding milestone. It represents a shift in how we perceive the role of science-led startups in solving energy and climate challenges. India needs more VIMANOs.”
Energy investors, too, have taken note. Industry analysts suggest that deep-tech companies in India will now receive more attention as climate urgency and policy support converge. Investment firms are increasingly seeking technologies with high intellectual property (IP) value, long-term scalability, and global relevance—exactly the areas where startups like Vimano shine.
Looking Forward
Vimano’s successful seed round marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s clean energy and nanotech journey. Backed by strong science, committed founders, and supportive investors, the company now stands poised to take on global energy inefficiencies through a lens of innovation and sustainability.
As the startup prepares to launch its first full-scale pilot units by early 2026, all eyes will remain fixed on how Vimano scales its tech, builds partnerships, and carves out space in the highly competitive membrane industry.
One thing is certain: Vimano is no longer just a name in a lab notebook. It now represents a real, tangible push toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient world.