Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Alteon has raised $2.5 million, or around Rs 24 crore, in a pre-seed funding round to develop autonomous aircraft designed to stay airborne for months without landing.

The round was led by Lachy Groom, with participation from Together Fund, as the startup works on wind-powered aircraft that could eventually remain in the air for more than a year.

The fresh capital will be used to advance Alteon’s autonomous dynamic-soaring technology, expand research and development and support the deployment of aircraft fleets over oceans. The startup is developing aircraft that use wind energy to maintain flight, reducing their dependence on conventional propulsion and eliminating the need for frequent refuelling.

Alteon’s technology is inspired by birds such as albatrosses, which use changing wind conditions to remain airborne for long periods. Its aircraft are designed to perform dynamic-soaring manoeuvres, allowing them to harvest energy from wind gradients and maintain flight with high efficiency.

The startup recently completed an offshore flight test in which its aircraft autonomously flew multiple consecutive loops less than a metre above the ocean surface. The test marked an important milestone as Alteon works to make autonomous, long-duration flight possible in challenging marine environments.

Founded by Samay Sanghvi, Alteon began developing the underlying technology in 2023 before incorporating the startup in 2025. Sanghvi developed the early radio-controlled aircraft prototypes without a formal engineering degree. The company has since expanded its team to around 20 people and received early backing from Emergent Ventures and 1517.

The company’s long-term goal is to build aircraft capable of persistent ocean surveillance. Such systems could help governments monitor illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other maritime security threats without relying on expensive ships, satellites or conventional aircraft.

The funding comes as India’s UAV market expands across defence, surveillance, infrastructure and logistics. The market was valued at around $470 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.39 billion by 2030.

Overall, the Rs 24 crore fundraise gives Alteon fresh capital to move closer to its goal of creating ultra-long-endurance aircraft for persistent aerial surveillance.

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