Bhubaneswar: Debendra Pradhan, co-founder of Coratia Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a startup incubated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, met Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja today to discuss leveraging robotics technology for enhancing the durability and efficiency of the state’s underwater infrastructure.
Coratia Technologies, which specializes in unmanned robotics for underwater inspection and maintenance, recently signed a ₹66 crore contract with the Indian Navy for deploying indigenous underwater robotic equipment. Chief Secretary Ahuja lauded the achievement, noting it showcases Odisha’s growing capabilities in technology and skill development.
Debendra Pradhan explained that the startup’s technology allows for monitoring, inspection, and assessment of underwater conditions—including soil evaluation, water depth measurement, structural health assessment, and rescue operations—without harming infrastructure.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that Odisha has numerous water reservoirs, river embankments, old bridges, and ongoing river construction projects, emphasizing that underwater robotics could play a key role in ensuring the safety and maintenance of these structures. He encouraged the startup to explore these opportunities in the state.
The meeting was also attended by Bhupinder Singh Punia, Commissioner and Secretary of the State Skill Development and Technical Education Department.
