IIT Gandhinagar startup Cellegant Energy Systems secures Rs. 2.61 crore to advance hydrogen-powered drone technology.
Gujarat: As India aims to develop local deep-tech solutions, IIT Gandhinagar-incubated startup Cellegant Energy Systems has raised funding for its hybrid hydrogen fuel cell drive systems. Founded by Professor Atul Bhargav from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar, Cellegant Energy Systems aims to create hybrid hydrogen fuel cell drive systems to increase the endurance of drones and other autonomous systems.
The company has raised funds from GVFL Prarambh Fund Trust, CoCreate Aarambh and IIEC IIT Gandhinagar. This funding of Rs 2.61 crore will allow the startup to demonstrate and bring its technology forward. This funding aims to demonstrate a locally developed 35 kg hydrogen drone and take the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to TRL 6.
Why Cellegant is investing in hydrogen fuel cell drive systems
Battery-driven drones have become a useful technology for many industries; however, they can be limited by their endurance. Recharging or replacing battery systems can cause downtime. Cellegant Energy Systems is solving this issue by creating hybrid hydrogen fuel cell drive systems.
A fuel cell takes the chemical energy in the hydrogen and converts it to electrical energy. This can then be used to power an electrical drive system. As this is a hybrid system, it can combine the fuel cell with battery systems. The aim of Cellegant is to create localised systems to increase endurance and reduce dependency on foreign technology. This could benefit drone operators and manufacturers.
35 Kg Hydrogen Drone
One of the major goals of this funding is to demonstrate a 35Kg hydrogen drone. The funding will allow Cellegant to demonstrate multiple key technologies and take the technology from TRL 3 to TRL 6. Technology Readiness Levels are a way to define how mature a technology is from being in the early stages of development to being demonstrated in a realistic environment.
This indicates that the technology is looking to progress past the early stages of development. However, the aim of this project is to demonstrate a 35Kg drone.
Potential Applications
While drones are a major focus for Cellegant Energy Systems, there are several other applications for the technology. These include:
- Marine and underwater systems – Hydrogen can be used to power mobility systems.
- Autonomous vehicles – Fuel cell drive systems can be used as an alternative power source.
- Robotics – Autonomous robotics can benefit from compact power systems.
- Static power – Fuel cells can be used in power generation.
Once these technologies have been further developed and tested, the technology can be applied in these areas.
IIT Gandhinagar and Deep Tech Development
Cellegant Energy Systems is linked to IIT Gandhinagar through its research and incubation facilities. The Energy Systems Research Lab at IIT Gandhinagar specialises in fuel cell systems, hydrogen technology, fuel reforming and design.
The incubation facilities at IIT Gandhinagar allow research-driven technologies to be turned into products. Cellegant Energy Systems is an example of this.
The latest funding demonstrates that Cellegant is receiving support from both the incubation facilities and investors. This can be beneficial to a deep tech company focused on hardware.
What This Means For India’s Local Drone Technology
Creating local hydrogen drive systems can help India develop its capabilities. This includes reducing dependency on foreign parts, but also creating whole systems that can be tested, maintained and tailored to Indian users. The next stage for Cellegant will be to see how well the technology performs in a realistic environment. They are looking to demonstrate a 35Kg drone and progress the technology to TRL 6.
This funding is a step forward for the IIT Gandhinagar-incubated startup. The real test will be whether the hydrogen fuel cells can provide the endurance, reliability and performance.
FAQs
1. What IIT Gandhinagar startup secured funding?
Cellegant Energy Systems, a deep tech startup incubated at IIT Gandhinagar, founded by Professor Atul Bhargav.
2. How much did Cellegant Energy Systems raise?
Rs. 2.61 crore.
3. Who invested in Cellegant Energy Systems?
GVFL Prarambh Fund Trust, CoCreate Aarambh, IIEC IIT Gandhinagar.
4. What does Cellegant Energy Systems develop?
Hybrid hydrogen fuel cell electric drive systems to increase the endurance of drones, UAVs and other systems.
5. What is the 35 Kg hydrogen drone?
One of the major technology goals of Cellegant is to demonstrate a locally developed 35Kg hydrogen drone.
6. What does TRL 3 to TRL 6 mean?
Taking the technology from an early proof of concept to a demonstration in a realistic environment.
7. What can Cellegant’s hydrogen fuel cells be used for?
Drones, UAVs, Marine, underwater, autonomous vehicles, robotics, static power.
8. Who founded Cellegant Energy Systems?
Professor Atul Bhargav from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar.
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