Founded in 2004, Ortecs was built on a bold vision: the belief that innovation, driven by passion, has the power to transform lives. What began as a small team with ambitious goals quickly evolved into a company dedicated to crafting sourcing solutions that not only meet but consistently exceed customer expectations. Today, Ortecs stands at the intersection of innovation and excellence in the dynamic world of electronic solutions for defense and aerospace. As an Authorized Distributor, the company is at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge components that are redefining the possibilities of the future.
Ortecs provides customized solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements of its customers. The company supplies Israel-based technology components across a diverse range of market segments, including Aerospace & Defense, Industrial, Commercial, Optics, Automotive, Medical, Telecommunications, Energy & Power Systems, Computer Hardware, Networking, Educational Technology, Environmental Monitoring, and more. With AS-9120 certification and a reputation for excellence, Ortecs can support any project, at any scale, empowering its customers to achieve their objectives.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Sriram Nandakumar, Director of Business Development and Engineering at Ortecs, reveals the cutting-edge technologies his company is pioneering for the defense and military sectors. He discusses key clients in India, details the stringent measures in place to ensure product security, and highlights emerging opportunities in the Indian defense and military markets. Additionally, he provides a snapshot of Ortecs’ market share in India. Here are the essential highlights from this enlightening interview.
Q: Can you provide insights into the advanced technologies Ortecs is currently developing for the defense and military sectors, with a particular focus on the solutions being supplied to India?
A: Ortecs began as a distributor, initially focusing on simpler components such as connectors, relays, and passive elements. Today, we have evolved to address the growing demand for generative AI technologies. We have strategically partnered with SiMa.ai, a leading AI chip manufacturer that offers the industry’s first software-centric, purpose-built MLSoC platform.
As generative AI gains traction, exemplified by NVIDIA‘s remarkable growth, our collaboration with SiMa.ai has become increasingly relevant. Founded by an Indian entrepreneur from Chennai, SiMa.ai is a fabless chip design company committed to global expansion.
Our partnership involves designing advanced products for applications like machine vision, computer vision, and AI-driven processes. For example, we develop components that aid military personnel, such as systems for automatic aircraft landing zone identification. We aim to support Indian manufacturers by integrating these futuristic technologies. Moreover, we assist global manufacturers in deploying them within India.
Q: Could you share some details about your key clients in India and the sectors they represent?
A: Our leading clients include top defense organizations such as the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO), Bharat Electronics, and HAL. These clients are supported by their subcontractors, such as Centum Electronics and Scion.
As an Israel-based company, we recognize the strategic shift in defense and aerospace manufacturing. Geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, have positioned India as a key manufacturing hub. Consequently, major defense firms like Elbit Systems and Rafael are establishing their manufacturing units in India. This geopolitical landscape is a significant factor in our decision to align with these key players in the industry.
Q: Could you highlight some of the innovative technologies you’ve recently developed for the defense sector?
A: In the defense sector, we specialize in designing advanced connectors. While common connectors, such as USB ports or power sockets, handle basic functions, defense applications require more sophisticated solutions. For instance, in submarine systems, we use military-grade fiber optic connectors to transmit high-speed signals. Our high-speed connectors are engineered to convert electrical signals to optical and then back to electrical, ensuring optimal performance in critical applications. Given the strategic nature of military and defense sectors, our expertise is crucial for both government agencies and corporations operating in this field.
Q: How do you ensure the security of your products, and what measures do you have in place to detect and prevent counterfeit products?
A: We adhere to the AS9120 quality management system, an aerospace certification that ensures thorough traceability of our products from manufacturing through to their implementation by the customer. This certification guarantees the use of genuine components and maintains military qualifications as per client requirements.
While our primary focus is on hardware, we also address cybersecurity aspects. We offer EMI filters designed to secure communication lines, making them tamper-proof and protected from unauthorized access. Although we do not specialize in software, our commitment to hardware cybersecurity ensures robust protection in our solutions.
Q: What opportunities do you foresee in the Indian market, particularly in the defense and military sectors?
A: India presents immense opportunities. This potential drives our significant expansion in the region. Our recent large-scale display underscores our commitment to this market. Additionally, global OEMs like Boeing are establishing major engineering centers in Bangalore, highlighting the widespread investment in India. As an Israeli company, we recognize the strategic importance of this market and are eager to leverage its growth potential.
Q: What key opportunities do you anticipate in the Indian market, especially within the defense and military sectors, considering current trends and future developments?
A: Yes, we do. We collaborate with Collins Aerospace and serve as Boeing’s subcontractors in India. Our portfolio includes satellite communication products, predominantly NASA-qualified. Although ISRO primarily uses ESA-qualified components—a practice that began when India faced US sanctions in the 1990s—we are working to transition to NASA standards. The shift to ESA-qualified systems stemmed from those sanctions, and the components designed then remain unchanged due to their critical nature. Meanwhile, we are actively engaging with private space startups to explore new opportunities in the rapidly evolving space sector.
Q: How do you envision the impact of your innovations in sectors such as defense, military, aviation, and others?
A: Technological advancements first developed for defense often trickle down into other sectors. We are capitalizing on this by expanding into the electric vehicle (EV) market, leveraging our expertise in relays and contactors originally designed for defense applications.
While there is a more affordable industrial-grade version available, our existing quality certifications facilitate easier market entry. However, cost considerations remain a factor.
Balancing these aspects is crucial. Transitioning from a high-stakes defense sector to a lower-grade industrial one simplifies our expansion. Our deep technical knowledge further supports this strategic move.
Q: What is the current demand for your products in India, and what percentage of the market do you capture within your specific verticals?
A: Our current market share is minimal, at around 3-4%. This represents a small fraction of the potential. Beyond defense and space, we are exploring opportunities in other sectors. We offer products for smart agriculture, including IoT and RFIoT modules used in remote sensing applications. Additionally, we are active in automotive and robotics. Despite these ventures, our primary focus remains on defense and aerospace, where we aim to leverage and expand our technologies into additional sectors.
