India’s manufacturing sector is witnessing fresh momentum across precision engineering, electronics components, aerospace logistics and industrial infrastructure as both public and private capital flows into advanced manufacturing capabilities
Recent developments such as Ethereal Machines’ $28.5 Mn Series B funding, Reliance Retail’s plans to build manufacturing platforms for fresh produce and garments, and Jabil’s new advanced manufacturing facility in Pune signal growing confidence in India’s production ecosystem
Against this backdrop, we are back with the fourth edition of ‘Five Manufacturing Startups To Watch’, featuring startups building autonomous cargo aircraft, precision-engineered aerospace components, clean air hardware, advanced electronics substrates and industrial robotics systems
India’s manufacturing ambitions continue to gather pace as industrial growth increasingly shifts towards advanced technologies, localisation and high-value production.
Over the past few weeks, the sector has witnessed a series of developments that underline this momentum. Precision manufacturing startup Ethereal Machines raised $28.5 Mn, reflecting growing investor confidence in advanced manufacturing startups building core industrial infrastructure.
Large enterprises are also doubling down on manufacturing. Reliance Retail recently announced plans to build dedicated manufacturing platforms across fresh produce, garments and consumer goods, signalling a deeper push towards vertically integrated production capabilities.
Meanwhile, the government continues to strengthen the homegrown manufacturing ecosystem through policy support and infrastructure investments. Earlier this month, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated Jabil’s advanced manufacturing facility in Pune, highlighting how AI data centres, electronics manufacturing and localised supply chains are becoming important pillars of India’s industrial strategy. The company manufactures products and components for sectors such as cloud infrastructure, AI data centres, networking, healthcare, automotive and consumer electronics.
The broader trend points towards a manufacturing landscape that is moving beyond traditional assembly-led operations towards specialised engineering, precision components, industrial automation and globally competitive products.
Against this backdrop, we are back with Inc42’s ‘Five Manufacturing Startups To Watch’. The fourth edition of this series features startups building autonomous cargo aircraft, precision-engineered aerospace components, clean-air hardware, advanced electronic substrates, and industrial robotics systems.
With that said, here are the five manufacturing startups that caught our eye in June 2026.
Editor’s Note: This list is not a ranking. It is a curated selection of manufacturing startups that have stood out to the Inc42 editorial team this month.
As concerns about indoor air quality continue to rise in homes, offices, and commercial establishments, air purification is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than a premium feature. However, air purifiers are expensive, creating whitespace for more affordable alternatives.
Founded in 2020 by Ravi Kaushik and Abhimanyu Kumar, Airth develops filtration technologies that upgrade existing air conditioners into air purification systems without requiring customers to purchase separate devices. It operates in India’s air purifier market, which is projected to reach $1.8 Mn by 2034, up from $579 Mn in 2025.
Its flagship products are designed to filter particulate matter, dust, pollen, bacteria and other airborne pollutants while maintaining airflow efficiency. The company’s proprietary FILTRIX technology has been developed and tested in collaboration with institutions including IISc Bengaluru, IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi.
Airth serves both residential and commercial customers through a portfolio spanning AC air purifiers, air quality monitoring systems, fresh air units and industrial filtration solutions. The startup claims to have upgraded more than 75,000 ACs across homes and workplaces in India.
Global supply chains continue to rely heavily on maritime transportation because air freight remains prohibitively expensive for much of cargo movement. This gap has created opportunities for companies attempting to rethink how goods are transported across geographies.
Founded in 2025 by Khushi Mittal, Aspera Industries is developing autonomous amphibious aircraft for logistics applications. The Bengaluru-based startup is currently in the prototyping stage, building long-range aircraft capable of operating without a pilot.
Aspera is manufacturing its aircraft in-house while operating logistics services directly. This model allows Aspera to control the customer experience while optimising aircraft design for cargo transportation.
Its initial target customers include logistics providers, freight forwarding companies and defence organisations. While India remains part of its long-term roadmap, the startup is initially focusing on markets across New Zealand, Australia and Southeast Asia.
Operating in the autonomous cargo aircraft market, Aspera aims to manufacture aircraft at costs that could eventually compete with traditional shipping while significantly reducing delivery times.
As retail brands increasingly compete for consumer attention inside crowded supermarkets and hypermarkets, traditional point-of-sale displays are proving insufficient to drive engagement. This has created demand for interactive technologies that can capture shoppers’ attention and influence purchase decisions at the point of sale.
Founded in 2020 by Christo Varghese, Christo Kollannur, Rahul Vincent and Bonsto Wilson, Estro Tech Robotics operates at the intersection of robotics, retail technology and in-store marketing. The startup is best known for RobAd, which it describes as India’s first fully automated interactive device designed for in-store marketing and shopper engagement.
The robotic platform uses motion, lighting and pre-recorded voice interactions to attract customer attention in retail environments. By combining physical presence with interactive marketing capabilities, the solution aims to help brands improve product visibility, increase customer engagement, and drive sales conversions in-store.
Estro Tech is already being deployed by several consumer brands and retail chains across India. The platform has delivered measurable outcomes for participating brands, including higher shopper engagement and increased product sales during campaigns.
As India’s organised retail sector continues to expand, with a projected $34.73 Bn in-store retail media market size by 2031, Estro Tech Robotics is positioning itself as a homegrown player, bringing automation and robotics to the retail advertising ecosystem.
As India seeks to deepen its capabilities across aerospace, defence and advanced engineering, demand is increasing for specialised manufacturers capable of producing high-precision components and assemblies for mission-critical applications.
Founded in 2021 by Suneesh Nair and Chandrashekhar Hiremath, FledgeTec Systems operates in the precision engineering and aerospace manufacturing segment. The company develops custom-built components, assemblies, and engineering solutions for the aerospace, defence, industrial, and specialised technology sectors.
Its capabilities span precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, embedded systems, automation technologies, product development and re-engineering services. The startup works on both mechanical and electronic systems, enabling customers to source complex engineering solutions through a single platform.
Beyond manufacturing, FledgeTec supports customers through design, testing, sourcing and production processes. The company also leverages a network of domestic and international suppliers to deliver specialised engineering products across global markets.
The startup has positioned itself to tap into India’s growing precision aerospace components manufacturing market, which is projected to reach $21.48 Bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2030.
As electric vehicles, LED lighting and power electronics become more advanced, managing heat has become one of the biggest challenges for manufacturers. Excessive heat can reduce the lifespan and efficiency of electronic components, yet one of the key materials used for cooling is still largely imported into India.
Founded in 2024 by Tarun Jha, Helionis Labs operates in the advanced materials and electronics manufacturing segment. The Bengaluru-based startup develops insulated metal substrate (IMS) boards, specialised circuit boards used in products such as LED lights, EV components, battery management systems and charging infrastructure.
Unlike conventional boards that depend on imported materials and chemical-intensive manufacturing, Helionis has developed its own dielectric material and a manufacturing process that directly prints it onto aluminium. According to the startup, this allows its boards to dissipate heat more effectively while also reducing manufacturing costs.
The startup says its technology can lower operating temperatures by up to 20 degrees Celsius and extend the life of electronic products without requiring manufacturers to redesign their existing systems.
The technology is targeted at applications across EV power electronics, battery management systems, charging infrastructure, industrial lighting, automotive electronics and power conversion equipment.
Helionis Labs is targeting the global insulated metal substrate market, which was valued at $867.77 Mn in 2024 and is projected to grow to about $1.58 Bn by 2034.
With Inputs From Venu Rathore & Akshit Pushkarna
Edited by Shishir Parasher
Creatives by Abhyam Gusai
Source: Inc42 - Startups
