Hyderabad, India — In a transformative move poised to redefine global aerospace manufacturing, a pioneering aerospace startup jointly based in the United States and India has secured $11 million in Series A funding. The funding round, led by Elevation Capital with strategic investment from Indigo Airlines’ venture arm, will be utilized to construct state-of-the-art aerospace mega factories in Hyderabad, Telangana—an initiative aligned with India’s growing ambition to become a global manufacturing hub.
This aerospace venture, Terrapass Robotics, specializes in the design and production of high-precision components for aerospace and defense, compliant with the internationally recognized AS9100 standards. The funding will enable the startup to dramatically scale its software-defined manufacturing systems, boost output capacity, and develop a skilled local workforce, contributing to the Make in India initiative and Telangana’s aerospace cluster development.
Hyderabad as an Aerospace Powerhouse
Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic aerospace and defense corridors. Backed by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) and strategic initiatives such as the Hyderabad Aerospace and Defence Policy, the city has attracted global giants like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Safran.
According to Invest India, India’s aerospace and defense sector is expected to reach USD 70 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for civil aviation, indigenous defense manufacturing, and global supply chain diversification. The establishment of mega factories by Terrapass Robotics aligns with this national vision and brings significant FDI into the country’s industrial base.
From Seed to Scale: A Startup’s Journey
Launched just 18 months ago with a small team of five engineers, Terrapass Robotics has since grown to employ over 100 skilled professionals. The company has successfully delivered more than 100,000 mission-critical aerospace components to global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and secured long-term contracts worth over $100 million.
These rapid achievements have positioned the company as a serious competitor in the highly regulated global aerospace market. The recent investment marks a strategic inflection point, allowing it to scale production by 3 to 5 times, expand internationally, and enhance supply chain resilience.
Investing in People: Building a Skilled Aerospace Workforce
To meet the demand for high-quality manufacturing, the startup has launched a proprietary Aerospace Skills Training Center in Hyderabad. This in-house facility prepares technicians, engineers, and machinists to meet the precision demands of AS9100-certified production processes. The center not only helps with onboarding but also supports continuous professional development—key to maintaining safety, reliability, and quality in aviation components.
By investing in local talent, the company is contributing directly to employment generation and capacity building in India’s aerospace ecosystem, in line with the Skill India mission.
Strategic Investors Back Long-Term Vision
Elevation Capital, a leading venture capital firm with a strong portfolio in technology and industrial ventures, highlighted the company’s “disciplined operational growth and exceptional leadership” as decisive factors behind the investment. Similarly, Indigo Airlines, one of Asia’s largest and fastest-growing carriers, brings not just capital but deep industry insight and mentorship to the table.
According to a company spokesperson from Indigo’s venture arm, the partnership underscores a shared vision of modernizing aerospace supply chains, enhancing domestic capabilities, and fostering innovation-driven production.
Driving Technological Modernization
What sets Terrapass Robotics apart is its commitment to software-defined manufacturing. By integrating advanced manufacturing software, real-time monitoring systems, and traceability protocols, the startup ensures reduced error rates, high throughput, and compliance with global safety norms.
This technology-first approach enables quick adaptation to global demand fluctuations and positions the company as a resilient, agile supplier in the global aerospace supply chain, especially at a time when OEMs are looking to de-risk from single-country dependencies.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The mega factories planned in Hyderabad will not only significantly raise the company’s manufacturing capacity but also contribute to regional economic growth. The project is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs, stimulate ancillary industries, and enhance India’s aerospace export capabilities.
Moreover, the timing couldn’t be more strategic. With rising global defense budgets, a resurgence in commercial aviation post-pandemic, and urgent calls for supply chain localization, India stands at the cusp of becoming a central node in the aerospace manufacturing network.
The Road Ahead
With strong investor backing, scalable technology, and a vision aligned with national priorities, Terrapass Robotics is uniquely positioned to become a global aerospace leader. As it continues to scale operations and deepen its roots in India, the startup exemplifies how innovation, capital, and human capital development can intersect to elevate India’s position in global manufacturing.
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