Suman Hiremath (Olee Space)
Overview
Suman Hiremath is an Indian engineer and entrepreneur known as the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Olee Space, a Pune-based photonics and defense technology startup. Founded in 2023 alongside James Solomon, an IIT Bombay alumnus, Olee Space has made significant strides in laser-based communication and directed energy weapon systems. The company is particularly noted for developing Free-Space Optical Communication systems, which utilize low-powered infrared laser beams to create high-speed, secure data links. Olee Space's innovations, aimed at enhancing India's defense and strategic communication capabilities, include efforts towards quantum-encrypted data communications and advanced laser-based weapon systems.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Olee Space raised $3 million in seed funding from Rockstud Capital and various global investors. The investment will be used to scale production of its laser communication systems and directed energy weapon platforms, strengthening India’s capabilities in quantum-secure communication and electronic warfare.
- 2025: The company announced plans to expand its Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems, which are under development for anti-drone, anti-UAV, and anti-satellite operations. These systems promise high precision and rapid neutralization of aerial threats, boosting India's defense capabilities.
- 2024: Olee Space entered into several collaborations, including partnerships with Kalasalingam University and the National Institute of Technology Surat, focusing on enhancing their Optical Wireless Communication technologies across terrestrial, stratospheric, and space products.
- 2023: The startup achieved multiple field deployments of its Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC) systems, offering ultra-fast and highly secure data transmission across different terrains, a development crucial for both civilian and defense networks.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suman Hiremath |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Engineer, Entrepreneur, COO |
| Known For | Co-founding Olee Space |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
| Education | Engineer (specific degrees not publicly disclosed) |
Early Life and Education
Details about Suman Hiremath's early life and education specific to personal institutions or degrees are not publicly documented. However, it is known that Hiremath pursued engineering, showing early interest in photonics and technological innovations that later foundational to the inception of Olee Space. His career trajectory indicates a strong background in defense technologies and optical communication systems.
Career and Notable Achievements
Suman Hiremath's professional journey is marked by his pivotal role in founding Olee Space, where his expertise in engineering and strategic operations has been critical.
- 2019-2023: Development phase for Olee Space's core technologies, including extensive R&D in Free-Space Optical Communication.
- 2023: Co-founded Olee Space, aiming to position India as a leader in laser-based communications and energy weapon technology.
- 2025: Played a crucial role in securing $3 million in seed funding, pivotal for advancing Olee Space’s quantum-secure communication systems and defense applications.
Current Work and Impact
Suman Hiremath, as the COO of Olee Space, continues to lead the company’s efforts in scaling its innovative technologies to enhance India's national security and strategic infrastructure. His work primarily focuses on expanding the company's quantum communication protocols and DEW systems, aiming to provide indigenous solutions that meet India's defense and communication needs.
Conclusion
Suman Hiremath’s contributions through Olee Space reflect a significant stride in India's technological advancements in defense and communication. By focusing on cutting-edge laser and photonics technologies, he has positioned his startup to play a vital role in national security and strategic tech infrastructure. As Olee Space continues to innovate, the impact of Hiremath's work is likely to expand, potentially placing India at the forefront of global photonics and secure communication markets.