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Green Aero Secures $1.6 Million to Develop Hydrogen and Defense Aero Engines

Green Aero Secures $1.6 Million to Develop Hydrogen and Defense Aero Engines
Green Aero, an Indian deep-tech startup, has successfully raised $1.6 million in a seed funding round led by pi Ventures, with additional participation from Antler. The capital injection will support the company’s research and development efforts, expansion of its team, and the establishment of an in-house testing facility. These initiatives are part of Green Aero’s preparation for upcoming commercial pilot projects in both the defense and civil aviation sectors.
Advancing Indigenous Propulsion Technologies
Currently incubated at IIT Delhi, Green Aero is focused on developing propulsion technologies for aerospace, naval, and zero-emission hydrogen aviation applications. Founded in 2023 by Prithwish Kundu, a former research scientist at the US Department of Energy, the company recently achieved a significant milestone by test-firing India’s first hydrogen-based aero engine core, known as The Blue Dragon. Kundu brings extensive experience from his previous role leading computational studies at AgniKul Cosmos, a private Indian space launch startup.
India has historically depended on imported turbine engines for aircraft and drones. Green Aero aims to transform this landscape by creating indigenous propulsion systems tailored to both defense and sustainable civil aviation markets. The company is developing aero engines that it claims are twice as efficient as existing global models. These engines incorporate several innovations, including proprietary turbines, fuel-flexible combustors, swirl-stabilized injectors, and superalloy components manufactured through additive processes. Green Aero plans to launch a small-category commercial engine within the next 12 months, alongside the development of a larger engine platform for future deployment.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Green Aero’s ambitions come amid considerable challenges within the aerospace sector. Industry leaders have pointed to complex supply chain issues that may affect production timelines for advanced propulsion systems. Nevertheless, there is growing market interest in sustainable aviation technologies. For instance, the UK government has recently increased support for hydrogen propulsion development, reflecting heightened investor confidence in this emerging field.
Competition in the alternative propulsion space is intensifying. Major aerospace companies such as Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are advancing hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technologies. In the United States, the Army has commissioned Electra Aero to evaluate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion systems. These developments highlight a broader industry trend toward cleaner and more efficient propulsion solutions.
Prithwish Kundu expressed optimism about Green Aero’s role in this evolving landscape, stating, “We are excited to be at the forefront of developing advanced aero engine technologies in India for the world. This funding advances our long-term vision to shape a more sustainable future for the transportation industry.” Shubham Sandeep, managing director at pi Ventures, added, “Green Aero is building world-class aero engines from the ground up in India, with a laser-sharp focus on efficiency and performance. Their bold vision to make India self-reliant in propulsion technology while leading the world in clean aviation deeply resonates with our mission.”
Green Aero’s strategy integrates rigorous research and development, subsystem testing, and innovative design and materials. The company aims to deliver lightweight, multi-fuel engines that meet modern aviation demands while minimizing environmental impact, positioning itself at the forefront of the global shift toward cleaner, more efficient aerospace propulsion.

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