Anuj Barnwal (Vayudh)
Overview
Anuj Barnwal is an Indian entrepreneur, widely recognized as one of the co-founders of Vayudh, a leading defence technology company focusing on drone platforms for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Vayudh, under Barnwal's co-leadership, has established itself as a pioneer in India's drone industry, known for its innovative swarm drone technology and the development of nano drones for precision ISR missions.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Vayudh has continued to make significant strides in the defense technology sector:
- April 2025: Vayudh raised USD 10 million in a funding round led by Dharana Capital, alongside investors such as Deepinder Goyal (Founder and CEO of Eternal Ltd), Ajay Aggarwal (MD, Action TESA), Sumit Jalan, LetsVenture, and Navam Capital. This funding is intended to bolster Vayudh's R&D capabilities, scale manufacturing infrastructure, and accelerate the deployment of drone systems to India's defense forces.[^1]
- February 2023: The company received the prestigious iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) Grant for developing India's smallest surveillance drone, highlighting its cutting-edge innovation in drone technology.
- 2023: Vayudh launched "Atri," India's first nano drone, designed for high-precision ISR operations in complex and risky environments.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anuj Barnwal |
| Born | Unknown |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Vayudh |
| Known For | Co-founding Vayudh, a defence technology company |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Alumni of IIT Delhi (specific details not available) |
Early Life and Education
Anuj Barnwal's early life details are relatively private, with limited public information available regarding his family and early upbringing. He pursued his education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, a crucial foundation that likely played a significant role in shaping his technical expertise and entrepreneurial aspirations. It was at IIT Delhi that Barnwal, along with his partners Tanmay Bunkar and Sarita Ahlawat, incubated BotLab Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., which later became Vayudh's parent company, specializing in the development of indigenous drone technology.
Career and Notable Achievements
Anuj Barnwal's career has been largely centered around technological innovation and entrepreneurship. His most notable achievement stems from his role in founding Vayudh, where he has been instrumental in advancing drone technology for defense applications:
- 2016: Founded Vayudh with Tanmay Bunkar and Sarita Ahlawat under BotLab Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., aiming to revolutionize drone technology in India.
- 2023: Vayudh was awarded the iDEX Grant for the development of India's smallest surveillance drone, marking a significant achievement in its technological journey.
- Swarm Technology: Under his leadership, Vayudh achieved over 300,000 autonomous flying hours in both defense and commercial sectors, indicating the reliability and scalability of its drone systems.
Current Work and Impact
Today, Anuj Barnwal continues to play a pivotal role in Vayudh's ongoing projects and its strategic initiatives. The company focuses on strengthening its indigenous capabilities in the drone industry, enhancing R&D efforts, and meeting the growing demands of India's defense modernization programs. Vayudh's emphasis on home-grown technology supports India's strategic goals of defense indigenization and technological self-reliance.
Conclusion
Anuj Barnwal's contributions to the defense technology sector, primarily through his work with Vayudh, underscore his importance as an innovator in India's emerging drone industry. With a focus on expanding research capabilities and technological advancements, Barnwal and his company are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of defense technology in India. The recent funding and strategic initiatives positioned Vayudh as a key player in India's push for a modernized and indigenized defense sector.