Rohit Chouhan, a distinguished figure in the aerospace industry, has charted a remarkable course from his early career at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to co-founding Nabhdrishti Aerospace, a groundbreaking venture set to transform aviation and power generation. With a storied career marked by significant contributions at General Electric and Rolls-Royce, where he accumulated over 50 US patents, Chouhan’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in India’s evolving aerospace landscape.
A Journey of Innovation and Dedication
Rohit Chouhan’s journey began in Moradabad, where he pursued an M-Tech from IIT Delhi in 2002. His career took off at DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment, where he contributed to the development of the Kaveri gas turbine engine for the Tejas fighter aircraft. Chouhan’s work extended to developing small gas turbine engines for unmanned vehicles and cruise missiles. His expertise led him to General Electric (GE) in 2007, where he spearheaded the establishment of the gas turbine team in Bangalore, driving new product developments and generating over $500 million in revenue with over 50 US patents. At Rolls-Royce, he played a key role in the Airbus A350 engine redesign project. In 2023, Chouhan, alongside co-founders Arjun Srivatsa and Antanu Sadhu, embarked on a new venture, founding Nabhdrishti Aerospace.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
The initial phase of Nabhdrishti Aerospace was marked by several challenges. One significant hurdle was overcoming the cultural mindset in India that viewed deep tech ventures with skepticism. Securing venture capital proved difficult, but Chouhan and his team managed to secure funding from IIM Ahmedabad, surpassing their targets ahead of schedule. Talent acquisition was another challenge, but leveraging established networks facilitated hiring the right individuals. Convincing institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to incubate the venture also posed a challenge due to skepticism about deep tech’s viability in India. Despite these obstacles, persistence and strategic planning enabled Nabhdrishti Aerospace to move forward successfully.
Core Technologies and Innovations
Nabhdrishti Aerospace is at the forefront of developing fuel-agnostic gas turbines, capable of operating on aviation jet fuel, CNG, LNG, and potentially hydrogen in the future. Their innovations include advanced heat exchanger technology, such as recuperators, which enhance fuel efficiency by more than 20% compared to conventional turbines. The company is committed to cost competitiveness through a local supply chain in India and designs its gas turbines for both aviation and power generation applications, utilizing a common core technology.
Groundbreaking Projects and Developments
Currently, Nabhdrishti Aerospace is focused on testing and developing its fuel-agnostic technology. The team is demonstrating their combustion system at the National Combustion Research Development Lab at IISc, Bangalore. With product design complete, they are preparing to test their first engine. The team, consisting of around 18 members, is making significant progress, and the company is on track to meet its development milestones.
The Evolving Aerospace Landscape
Chouhan views the aerospace industry in India as rapidly growing, with significant developments in both civil and defense aviation sectors. The expansion of the civil aviation sector, increasing passenger numbers, and new airlines entering the market are promising. On the defense side, there is a strong focus on self-reliance and indigenous development, exemplified by projects like the Tejas fighter aircraft and UAV programs. The global market for Nabhdrishti Aerospace’s initial products is estimated at $15 billion, with $3 billion within India, presenting substantial opportunities.
Exciting Trends and Prospects
Chouhan is enthusiastic about several trends in the aerospace industry. The growth of the aviation sector and the increasing use of UAVs for various applications, such as goods delivery and reconnaissance, are particularly exciting. The concept of air taxis also holds promise for revolutionizing urban transportation. Additionally, the government’s efforts to improve connectivity in remote areas and the growing involvement of local companies in the global aerospace supply chain are positive developments that could drive the industry forward.
The Role of Government and Private Sector Partnerships
Government policies are crucial for advancing aerospace technology in India. Clear policies, similar to those in space and semiconductors, could further support the industry’s growth. Government support and policy clarity are essential for fostering innovation and attracting venture capital, which are critical for the advancement of aerospace technology.
Future Goals for Nabhdrishti Aerospace
In the short term, Nabhdrishti Aerospace aims to focus on its power generation products, ranging from 275 kilowatts to 750 kilowatts, and its aviation engine designed for UAVs and small aircraft. Long-term goals include developing larger engines for 20-seater aircraft and expanding power generation capabilities to 2.5 megawatts. The company aims to replace polluting diesel generators and continue expanding its product range to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Rohit Chouhan’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation are driving Nabhdrishti Aerospace to new heights, promising a transformative impact on the aerospace and power generation sectors both in India and globally.
