As Bharat rises on the global stage, the call for self-reliance in defence technology has never been stronger. Answering that call with vision and precision is Bravecore Pvt Ltd, a defence robotics and drone startup founded by two Indian Navy veterans. Incubated at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, and Maker Village, Kochi, Bravecore is redefining the country’s approach to modern warfare and security through homegrown, cutting-edge technologies. Bravecore’s mission goes beyond technology. It embodies the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, proving that India can design, build, and deploy defence solutions that meet global standards while remaining cost-effective, reliable, and locally made. The startup demonstrates the power of veterans channeling their operational expertise into technological innovation, ensuring that the country remains at the cutting edge of security and defence.
From AI-driven urban safety systems to advanced unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, Bravecore Pvt Ltd is not just building machines—it is crafting India’s future in defence technology. By combining military experience with innovative engineering, the startup ensures that India is prepared, self-reliant, and ready to defend its skies, borders, and critical infrastructure with homegrown solutions.
Initial Challenges
Like most pioneering startups in India’s defence technology space, Bravecore Pvt Ltd began its journey navigating a complex landscape of regulation, funding, and technology development. The startup had to bridge the gap between military domain knowledge and cutting-edge engineering execution. Early challenges included limited access to specialised manufacturing ecosystems and the need to prove reliability under military-grade conditions.
Founders: At the heart of Bravecore’s journey are its co-founders, Commander Uday Mathew (Retd) and Commander Atul S. Dharan (Retd), whose combined four decades of service in the Indian Navy bring unparalleled operational insight and technical mastery to the startup.
Commander Uday Mathew, a Navy Diver and Marine Engineer, has excelled in warship design, underwater operations, and human resource leadership. Complementing him is his Navy coursemate, Commander Atul Dharan, a veteran Submariner and Marine Engineer. As Bravecore’s CTO, he leads research in autonomous drones, AI-powered targeting, and robotic systems, guiding projects that push the boundaries of defence technology. Commander Mathew and Cdr Dharan have trained together in the Navy and are alumni of the Naval College of Engineering, Pune. Together, the founders merge military discipline with technological innovation, shaping a company committed to strengthening India’s defence capabilities with indigenous solutions.
Among Bravecore’s standout creations is Smart Cop, an AI-powered, autonomous rail-mounted surveillance system. In a rapidly urbanising India, safety in crowded public spaces like metro stations, airports, and hospitals is a pressing concern. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the systems development being monitored by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and FITT/IIT (Delhi), Smart Cop is being developed for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) — the nation’s largest metro network. Equipped with advanced computer vision, Smart Cop detects rule violations, unattended baggage, vandalism, potential emergencies such as stampedes and identifying persons of interest through facial recognition. It alerts authorities in real time, records evidence, and issues audio warnings autonomously. Acting as a robotic police officer, Smart Cop embodies India’s prowess in AI-driven urban safety, bringing smart city surveillance into the future.
Mantis Swarm Drone System: The startup is also advancing aerial defence technology through its high speed Mantis Swarm Drone System, an indigenous solution for outdoor operations.
Built on a robust carbon-fibre frame and a proprietary Ground Control System (GCS) software, the Mantis drone system offers GPS-independent stability, autonomous navigation, FPV strikes as well as mission planning. Designed for tactical operations, the system demonstrates India’s growing expertise in unmanned aerial systems.
Drones and Sub Systems Prepared for Trials
Axis Gimbal Stabilised EO/IR Payloads. Adding precision to these capabilities is Bravecore’s 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilisation System, proudly designed and manufactured in India. By integrating high-zoom electro-optical and thermal cameras, it delivers crystal-clear imaging under dynamic conditions, ideal for reconnaissance, surveillance, and mapping by systems operating in multiple domains. Supported by FITT/ IIT (Delhi) and Maker Village, Kochi, the system reflects India’s engineering excellence and commitment to indigenous innovation.
Product Specification
Smart Cop surveillance rover for metros and airports, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for secure installations, Mantis Swarm Drone Systems for tactical and training applications, and 3-Axis Gimbal EO/IR payloads for imaging precision.
Export and Sales of Products
Bravecore’s focus remains primarily on addressing India’s domestic defence and homeland security needs, but its products are designed with export potential in mind. The company has received interest from West Asia, South East Asian and African nations looking to modernise their surveillance and border management systems.
Future Plans
Bravecore is developing next-generation swarm drone platforms, AI-enabled reconnaissance systems, and rugged unmanned ground vehicles for extreme terrains.
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