Aaravi EngiVentures Pvt. Ltd., a deeptech startup, is revolutionizing the domestic market with its indigenously manufactured, low-cost, high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. Faced with the challenge of exorbitantly priced imported products, Aaravi EngiVentures aims to deliver GNSS receivers at significantly lower costs. They enable end-users to access these products easily without the complexities of the import process. The startup further enhances its value proposition by incorporating advanced features at a competitive price.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Raj Gaurav, CEO of Aaravi EngiVentures Pvt. Ltd., highlights how the company creates affordable and distinctive GNSS receivers. He also discusses the critical market pain points they are addressing, elaborates on the innovative features of the existing products, and shares insights into the key sectors they are targeting, along with their commercialization strategy. Here are the main takeaways from his enlightening interview.
Q: What innovative products is your startup currently developing, and what unique features or capabilities set them apart in the market?
A: At Aaravi EngiVentures Pvt. Ltd., we embarked on a mission to develop low-cost, high-precision GNSS receivers. For the past 20-30 years, India has relied solely on imported GNSS receivers, which come at a significant expense. Noticing this gap in the market, we decided to take on the challenge and address this critical need by developing the technology indigenously. The path was not easy, but the opportunity to serve our country and its end-users motivated us.
To bring this vision to life, we assembled a robust team of hardware, firmware, and software experts, supported by a skilled geometrician. We actively collaborated with esteemed government agencies such as the Survey of India, DRDO, and ISRO to understand the challenges and refine our solution. Through this partnership and rigorous research, we have also successfully developed a highly affordable GNSS device. Furthermore, we are now gearing up for its imminent launch, confident that it will revolutionize the market and serve our nation’s needs effectively.
Q: You mentioned that the major challenge for the industry is the price point. What target price are you aiming for with indigenous manufacturing to make GNSS receivers more accessible for end users?
A: Currently, the price of GNSS receivers varies across different market segments. Price and quality are closely linked. Higher-quality imported products typically range from Rs. 10 to 20 lakhs. However, we are aiming to reduce the cost to around Rs. 5 to 6 lakhs.
We have complete control over the manufacturing process, as we develop our hardware, software, and firmware in-house. This control extends to the form factor, weight, and adaptability, including mounting on drones.
Our product is ideal for surveying and mapping applications for civil engineers. With full control over production, we can offer extensive customization at an affordable price, bringing the product within reach of end customers.
Q: Do you plan to offer similar features to those available in imported GNSS receivers?
A: Absolutely, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality without compromise. We will offer the same core features at a significantly reduced cost, and we can even include additional features within that price. Our approach will ensure that all essential elements are present, while also incorporating innovative enhancements.
India has long been a leader in this sector and in education, dating back to the 19th century with the establishment of the Survey of India, which pioneered this technology. However, due to inefficiencies in technological development, we have relied on importing these products. Now that we have gained mastery over the technology and are leveraging our extensive knowledge accumulated over the past 200 years, we are poised to significantly advance our technology in alignment with market demands.
Q: What innovations are you developing to enhance your product compared to imported alternatives?
A: We address the diverse challenges faced by surveyors across the country. Our focus extends beyond land surveying to include hydrological and aerial surveys. Therefore, we are designing our device to accommodate a range of custom applications, ensuring versatility and adaptability for various survey needs.
Q: Which key sectors are you focusing on for the deployment and growth of GNSS receivers?
A: At present, our primary focus is on surveying and mapping. We are conducting a comprehensive land survey across India, creating a digital map that covers every inch of the country. Our objectives include targeting both the agriculture and transportation sectors. The recent release of the national geospatial policy has made geospatial data publicly available. In light of this development, we are developing indigenous GNSS receivers to leverage this data effectively.
Q: What is your timeline for launching this product in the Indian market?
A: We plan to launch this product in India within the next three to four months. We have completed all preparatory work and now have full control over the process. We are moving forward with production and finalizing arrangements. Currently, we are awaiting funding consultations to support our next steps. As a bootstrap company, we have utilized our own resources, but the costs are substantial due to the need for imported components. Our hardware development has faced numerous challenges, leading to significant investment. Despite these obstacles, we are on track to introduce a functional and affordable device for end consumers.
