Latest news with #Agnikul
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian space startup Agnikul builds world's largest single-piece 3D-printed Inconel rocket engine, granted a patent in US
Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a significant milestone by building the world's largest single-piece 3D-printed Inconel rocket engine made from Inconel, a high-performance superalloy known for its strength and heat resistance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This breakthrough engine, about a meter long, is printed entirely as one integrated component without any welds, joints, or fasteners from fuel entry to plume exit. Such an innovation drastically reduces manufacturing complexity, production time, and potential failure points, positioning Agnikul at the forefront of additive manufacturing in rocketry. Further elevating their accomplishment, Agnikul has been granted a US patent for the design and manufacturing process of this single-piece rocket engine. Being granted a patent in the US means that Agnikul holds exclusive legal rights to their invention within one of the world's largest and most competitive markets, preventing others from making, using, or selling the patented technology without permission. This patent marks a rare achievement for an Indian-origin design, reflecting the startup's growing influence in global space technology and reinforcing India's position in the next-generation rocket manufacturing landscape. Agnikul revolutionising rocket manufacturing with single-piece 3D printing Agnikul Cosmos' engine represents a major leap in aerospace engineering, leveraging additive manufacturing technology to print a complete rocket engine as a single piece. This method eliminates the need for traditional assembly processes, which often involve complex welding and joining of multiple parts. The use of Inconel, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy, ensures that the engine can withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures encountered during rocket launches. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The scale and complexity of this engine surpass earlier models, allowing more efficient fluid flow and improved durability. This fully integrated manufacturing approach cuts down production time by over 60% and reduces weight, enhancing the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of rockets. Agnikul's innovation is a clear example of how advanced 3D printing is revolutionizing space technology, making rocket production faster, safer, and more scalable. Strategic impact and support from Indian space ecosystem The US patent granted to Agnikul Cosmos is a significant intellectual property victory that underscores the originality and technical sophistication of their design. The patent provides legal protection in a highly competitive global market historically dominated by established aerospace giants. This milestone strengthens India's position in the private space sector and signals growing confidence in indigenous technologies. Agnikul's progress is supported by collaborations with key Indian space institutions, including and INSPACe, as well as partnerships with industry leaders like Wipro 3D. Government backing through agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Technology Development Board (TDB) has been instrumental in fostering innovation. This collective effort is driving India's emergence as a leader in next-generation rocket propulsion and space exploration technologies.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From rocket engines to toys: How 3D printing is powering India's next industrial leap
Last year, Chennai-based spacetech firm Agnikul made history by successfully launching the world's first rocket powered by a single-piece 3D-printed engine. What made this feat even more impressive is that manufacturing a rocket engine typically takes up to six months, with an overall preparation time of 10-11 months; however, Agnikul achieved this in just three days by employing a 3D-printed rocket engine to reduce time, effort, and money. In early July, the Mumbai-based firm WOL3D launched India's first 3D-printed flexible toy brand. From rockets to toys, the growing adoption of 3D printing across industries highlights the rapid growth of the 3D printing market in India. According to market research from IMARC Group, the Indian 3D printing market, valued at approximately $707 million in 2024, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.7% to reach $4.3 billion in 2033. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Management CXO Project Management Finance healthcare Cybersecurity Others MCA Technology Data Analytics others PGDM Public Policy Artificial Intelligence Degree Digital Marketing Design Thinking Data Science Operations Management Healthcare Data Science Leadership Product Management MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK General Management Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta CERT-IIMC APSPM India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK GMPBE India Starts on undefined Get Details With the expansion, India's 3D printing ecosystem has also undergone remarkable transformation. The growth, as per experts, goes beyond just applications to include a more diverse consumer base and a wide range of raw materials. From D2C brands to MSMEs using 3D printers over traditional manufacturing methods to the industry shifting towards alternatives to plastics for raw materials, the evolution of 3D printing in India is both exciting and far-reaching. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Evolution of 3D printing Over the past decade, 3D printing in India has undergone a striking transformation—from a tool reserved for niche prototyping to a powerful enabler of industrial innovation. 'The evolution of 3D printing can be seen from building a prototype a decade ago to complete end products now,' says Rahul Chandalia , CEO of WOL3D, a leader in India's 3D printing market. Rahul Chandalia, CEO of WOL3D, says that 3D printing in India has evolved from making prototypes to end-products. 'Initially, the high costs and limited expertise confined it [3D printing] to research labs and design studios, with its early promise centred around rapid prototyping,' says Anuj Budhiraja, VP-Phillips Additive, part of machining manufacturer Phillips Machine Tools India. Live Events 'However, expensive technology and limited local expertise did not deter its evolution. Today, 3D printing is no longer experimental; it is helping manufacturers move faster, lighter, and smarter, enabling innovation across key industries,' he adds. The government's support, he says, has also been pivotal in this journey. The 2022 National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing promotes innovative manufacturing technologies such as optic chip packaging, optical computing chips, 3D printing, and electronics components, etc. By 2025, it aimed to contribute nearly $1 billion to GDP, create 100 start-ups, develop 50 India-specific machine, material, and software innovations, launch 500 new products, and train 100,000 skilled professionals. 'One of the primary reasons for 3D printing gaining traction in India is because it has become increasingly affordable and accessible. The growth is fuelled by the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across sectors like automotive, healthcare, and construction,' says Sameer Jain, MD at Primus Partners. A key factor driving this trend is the ability of 3D printing to overcome the design constraints associated with traditional manufacturing methods. Ravikiran Pothukuchi, Lead-Manufacturing & Logistics, Dassault Systèmes, which makes the software for 3D printing, explains, 'You cannot come out with innovative complex shapes because the output of a shape in traditional manufacturing depends on the operation. A hole can be carved, but a complex, weird-looking structure cannot be created because a subtraction operation is still hard to find. With additive printing, or the 3D printing editor manufacturing, it becomes much easier to come up with these innovative parts,' he says. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is further revolutionising 3D printing by enhancing efficiency, precision, and innovation across various stages of the additive manufacturing process, says Chandalia. 'AI-driven generative design for complex geometries is lightweight yet structurally robust, which would be challenging to achieve through traditional methods. AI can help automate slicing processes, adjust print parameters in real time, and predict errors, reducing manual intervention and increasing throughput,' he says. Moreover, ML models analyse data from sensors and cameras to detect defects during the printing process, ensuring higher quality outputs and reducing material waste, he adds. From healthcare to defence, 3D printers are facilitating a wide range of applications across sectors. 'In manufacturing, they support rapid prototyping as well as the production of lightweight, performance-oriented components. In healthcare, they enable cost-effective, patient-specific implants and prosthetics. In aerospace and defence, they are used to produce complex, high-performance parts that must meet strict material and weight requirements,' says Budhiraja. According to Traxcn, there are about 240 3D printing companies in India currently. WOL3D, which began selling 3D printers in 2016, has seen tremendous growth since then. Chandalia mentioned that they started by selling 10 to 12 printers in a month, and now they sell about 1,000 to 1,500 printers every month. According to him, industries like dental (for dentures, crowns, etc.), jewellery, and education are growing very fast in 3D printing. 'Apart from this, we see people using 3D printers for home decor, table lamps, flower vases, and even customised nameplates,' says Chandalia. These creative applications are gaining popularity among a new wave of makers. 'This end application of 3D printing is coming with new entrepreneurs; kids who have passed engineering or are in their last year have started buying 3D printers and started home production and then selling them on Amazon. They are starting their entrepreneurial journey with an investment of hardly Rs 1-2 lakh.' WOL3D's printing setup in Mumbai. Chandalia mentioned that they started in 2016 by selling 10 to 12 printers in a month, and now they sell about 1,000 to 1,500 printers every month. MSMEs getting crafty with 3D printing It's now empowering MSMEs across sectors, driving innovation, and reducing costs. The customer base of 3D printing has broadened significantly, says Jain of Primus Partners. 'Indian MSMEs and D2C brands are adopting 3D printing for faster prototyping, cost-effective production, and product customisation. This shift is helping smaller players compete globally by overcoming traditional manufacturing limitations and embracing flexible, on-demand production models.' In addition to time and cost, the design flexibility offered by 3D printing is a major factor driving MSMEs to adopt this technology. 'A primary reason behind the rise in adoption of 3D printing is that advancements in its technology have enabled the manufacturing of things that were not earlier possible. For example, artificial jewellery with intricate designs and toys of various shapes and sizes. As you can customise designs in 3D printing, there is also no wastage,' explains Chandalia. There has been a notable surge in the adoption of 3D printing by MSMEs, as they increasingly use this technology to tackle challenges related to enhancing quality and reducing delivery timelines, says Phillips' Budhiraja. What started as a tool for prototyping has now evolved to include applications in tooling, jigs, and fixtures, resulting in cost savings and faster production timelines. 'We have seen the tremendous demand for technology by MSMEs. They want to be more competitive by adding value to their proposals with quick prototypes, better production costs, and improved profits; 3D printing is accelerating all of these,' he says. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 220 SMEs in Chennai's Sriperumbudur Industrial Zone adopted in-house 3D printing for product development, according to a recent report by TechSci Research. 'This shift enabled them to reduce their average prototyping cycle time by 55% and prototype outsourcing costs by 48%, helping local manufacturers bring new products to market significantly faster and with greater design control,' the report highlights. Similarly, 45 dental clinics in Delhi-NCR adopted 3D printing technologies between 2023 and 2025 to produce customised implants and orthodontic appliances. 'These clinics collectively manufactured over 18,500 devices locally, reducing turnaround time from up to four weeks to less than six days. Production costs for custom parts were cut by nearly 40%, improving affordability and patient care efficiency,' the report says. Pothukuchi of Dassault Systèmes points out that the 3D printing machines have evolved from being bulky to becoming sleeker and lighter, taking less space. 'This (evolution) has led to prices going down for the same, making it more affordable for MSMEs and start-ups.' Ravikiran Pothukuchi, Lead-Manufacturing & Logistics, Dassault Systèmes points out that the 3D printing machines have evolved from being bulky to becoming sleeker and lighter, taking less space. More than 60% of WOL3D customers are B2C, the majority of which are MSMEs and start-ups. And it has collaborated with mobility firm Ola Cabs, ISRO, Infosys, and DRDO in terms of B2B, informs CEO Chandalia. 'When Ola bought a 3D printer, the entire design of the Ola bike was first created based on the 3D printed model. They made a mould out of it, and then they manufactured the bike. So bigger companies use it for all the prototypes in their R&D,' he says. One of WOL3D's customers is wearables firm Fire-Boltt, which has been using the former's 3D printers to make prototypes of smartwatches as well as smartwatch cases. Arnav Kishore, Co-founder of Fire-Boltt, says that the company has been trying to identify how 3D printing could benefit their brand for the last 1-2 years. He points out that across the world, the most common way of prototyping is 3D printing. According to him, the biggest advantage of 3D printing is time. 'If we were to make a sample of any new design of a smartwatch, traditionally, it would take more than 45 to 60 days because we would need to first open a mould for injection, and then that mould itself takes about 60-plus days to develop. This would cost us time and money.' 'Whereas through 3D printing, we have a prototype in 24 hours. Then, once we are satisfied, we can proceed towards the mould development. So, it helps us in commercialising the product much better. It helps us make the product more accurate before we give it for moulding,' he adds. Another evolution is taking place in the 3D printing space regarding raw materials. It has moved beyond plastic and polymers, with more sustainable options now available, such as corn starch, which is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. 'There is a noticeable global shift towards environmentally responsible alternatives, with India playing an active role in this movement.' says Budhiraja. While the growth of 3D printing companies like WOL3D looks promising, challenges persist. Challenges Entry-level machines are affordable; however, scaling up to high-precision or production-grade applications remains capital-intensive, Budhiraja notes. 'A shortage of skilled professionals is another major limitation. Running and maintaining 3D printers, designing for additive manufacturing, and managing end-to-end workflows require specialised training, something that India's current technical education ecosystem is still catching up on,' he says. Budhiraja also laments low awareness and limited adoption among traditional manufacturers, many of whom remain unfamiliar with 3D printing's practical use. 'While some reliable components are still being made using conventional methods, additive technologies can extend product life and improve output quality when applied correctly.' However, the trial phase of validating additive models is not always preferred, and this hesitation, according to Budhiraja, continues to hold back wider experimentation. He also points out the lack of regulatory standards and quality control frameworks, which creates uncertainty for manufacturers exploring applications in safety-critical sectors like medical devices and aviation. 3D printing is tightly linked with technology. But the additional software and applications required for additive manufacturing add further costs, making it a bit cost prohibitive, especially for MSMEs. This month, WOL3D launched India's first 3D-printed flexible toy brand- Brahma 3D Farm. Additionally, there is another limitation. Although 3D printing of prototypes can be faster than traditional manufacturing, it is limited in terms of scalability. Chandalia points out that traditional manufacturing would be faster for those needing to produce more than 50,000 products, whereas 3D printing would be efficient for those with requirements of 1,000-5,000 products. 'However, the speed of the printers is increasing, which is a positive sign, but then many people are not really aware of these specifics. People don't know this technology exists. But, with time, we are trying to find ways where we can cope with that,' he says. India is still at a nascent stage of 3D printing, but it is growing rapidly. In China, there are farms with 3,000-6,000 printers. 'I feel such farms will also come to India,' says Chandalia. 'We are the ones who are getting the first farm of about 150-200 printers. But I think with time, we may increase the farm from 200 to 300 printers next year. I believe there will be a time when every household in India will have at least one product that is 3D printed,' says a highly optimistic Chandalia.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
World Economic Forum features 10 Indian startups as Tech Pioneers; spacetech wins big
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has featured 10 Indian startups among its 2025 cohort of 100 'Technology Pioneers,' recognising emerging companies building breakthrough solutions across sectors like space tech , electric mobility , robotics, and healthcare. This year's selection highlighted India's growing role in the global deep tech ecosystem, with space startups making up the largest segment of India's representation. Startups such as Agnikul Cosmos, Digantara, and GalaxEye were recognised for their contributions in space launches, space situational awareness, and earth observation technologies, respectively. These space tech startups are currently preparing for major missions in the coming year, and recognition from WEF is expected to draw greater global investor interest in India's growing space economy. The selected startups will now work closely with WEF's platforms to contribute to global discussions on technology, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Agnikul, GalaxEye, and The ePlane Company were incubated at IIT-Madras , which has built a robust deeptech ecosystem. The ePlane Company is developing electric flying taxis aimed at easing urban congestion. 'We find this acknowledgement to be a great motivator for us to accelerate our developments in space tech by building new innovations in earth observation,' Suyash Singh, founder of GalaxEye, told ET. Live Events He added that with the startup announcing its second satellite last week amid growing demand for geospatial data, the recognition reaffirms their belief in the global relevance of their work. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Other Indian companies recognised in the cohort include Exponent Energy, known for its rapid-charging battery systems for electric vehicles (EVs), CynLr for its work in robotics and machine vision, Freight Tiger for building a software-enabled freight network, SolarSquare for residential solar energy systems, Dezy for AI-driven dental diagnostics, and Equal for identity verification and consent-driven data sharing. Venture capital firm Speciale Invest, which backed four of the 10 Indian startups selected as Technology Pioneers - Agnikul, ePlane, CynLr, and GalaxEye, said the global recognition affirms not only their audacious vision across space launch, flying taxis, robotic vision, and multi-sensor satellite intelligence, but also marks a pivotal moment for India's rise as a deeptech leader. 'This milestone is a testament to their boldness, ingenuity, and the world-class innovation emerging from India,' said Vishesh Rajaram, managing partner at Speciale Invest. The Technology Pioneers community features 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries driving innovation across industries and borders. 'The geography of innovation is also evolving. While the United States remains the top contributor to the community, Europe's share has surged to 28% – up from 20% last year – reflecting the rise of strong tech ecosystems across the region. China and India are also emerging as major tech innovation hubs,' WEF said in a statement.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Agnikul Cosmos successfully test fires engine to power Agnibaan rocket
Agnikul Cosmos, the Chennai-based private space startup, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine, which will power its upcoming Agnibaan launch breakthrough, announced on Friday, marks a major leap for India's rapidly evolving private space sector and places Agnikul at the forefront of propulsion technology engine's most notable feature is its electric motor-driven throttling system, which enables precise control over thrust by varying the speed of the electric This capability allows for higher accuracy and rapid response—critical for managing complex flight trajectories and mission requirements. During the test, the engine was throttled across a wide range of thrust levels, demonstrating the flexibility and reliability of the technology. Unlike conventional rocket engines that rely on gas generators or turbopumps, Agnikul's semi-cryogenic engine uses an electric motor to power the pumps that circulate propellants—a combination of liquid oxygen (cryogenic oxidizer) and refined kerosene (non-cryogenic fuel).This approach is not only more efficient but also allows for easier integration of advanced control signature single-piece engine design remains central to this new system. Many of the engine's pump subsystems were 3D-printed and assembled at the company's AS9100D-certified Rocket Factory-1, located at the IIT Madras Research Park in motor drives and associated control software were also designed and developed entirely successful test is a key step toward firing a cluster of these engines together, a crucial requirement for powering the Agnibaan which can be configured to carry payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg, is designed to serve the growing demand for affordable and customisable satellite launches.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Agnikul ignites India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic rocket engine
Spacetech startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully fired India's first electric motor-driven semi-cryogenic engine , cofounder and CEO Srinath Ravichandran announced on Friday. Ravichandran shared a video of the engine being throttled to different levels of thrust by varying the speed of the electric motor. Electric motor-driven throttling allows for higher accuracy and rapid response, which is important for handling complex trajectories, Ravichandran wrote in a social media post. Also, regarding flight readiness, this test is a key milestone towards firing a cluster of engines together. The new electric motor-driven system continues to use Agnikul's single-piece 3D-printed engine , Ravichandran wrote. Along with the patented engine, many subsystems of the pump were also 3D-printed and assembled at the company's Rocket Factory-1 facility, the CEO said, adding that the motor drives and associated control software were also fully designed and developed in-house. Live Events Agnikul Cosmos won the Top Innovator award at the Economic Times Startup Awards in 2020. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories In May last year, Agnikul successfully carried out a sub-orbital test flight of its home-built 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket, Agnibaan, after several hiccups. The IIT-Madras-incubated company also became India's second private entity after Skyroot Aerospace to launch from a private launch pad. The rocket used the world's first 3-D printed single-piece engine, dubbed Agnilet. The indigenous engine is a semi-cryogenic unit using sub-cooled liquid oxygen and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Talking to ET in October last year, Ravichandran had said that Agnikul will launch its commercial operations by mid-2025. The space startup was in active discussions with 30 to 40 potential clients, exploring specific demands and use cases for its Agnibaan rocket , cofounder Srinath Ravichandran told ET. Given the evolving market for small satellite launch vehicles, the company plans to scale its operations to support around 25 launches per year using its mobile launchpad Dhanush at Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) facilities.
