Spacetech Startup Sisir Radar Secures Funding for Imaging

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Sisir Radar, an innovative spacetech startup specializing in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, has successfully raised $1.5 million in a seed funding round led by Shastra VC. Riverwalk Holdings and INVSTT also participated in this round. The startup aims to utilize these funds to enhance its research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities. This funding will position Sisir Radar to launch the highest-resolution L-band SAR satellite by the end of 2026, strengthening its presence in the global satellite imaging market.

Founded by Dr. Tapan Misra, former director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), Sisir Radar is India’s first company to develop SAR imaging payloads across multiple frequency bands, including L, P, and X bands. The company’s technology enables 24/7 real-time Earth observation, offering applications in defense, agriculture, mining, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and infrastructure monitoring.

Apart from its commercial prospects, Sisir Radar has also won two IDEX challenges to develop high-resolution SAR satellites for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The firm’s cutting-edge capabilities allow it to see through darkness, clouds, and dense foliage, making it a crucial asset in India’s growing spacetech sector. The Indian government’s active support for space startups, including IN-SPACe’s Rs 500 crore technology adoption fund, further boosts the company’s future prospects.

With an expanding global demand for advanced imaging solutions and India’s rapid emergence as a key player in the spacetech ecosystem, Sisir Radar’s innovations are poised to make significant contributions to defense and commercial satellite applications.

1. Sisir Radar’s Business Model

1.1 Working Model

Sisir Radar operates as a spacetech firm specializing in SAR-based satellite imaging. The startup focuses on developing advanced Earth observation solutions capable of penetrating darkness, cloud cover, and dense terrain using its proprietary SAR technology. Its systems provide high-resolution 2D and 3D images, offering valuable insights for defense, commercial, and research applications.

1.2 Revenue Model

Sisir Radar generates revenue through:

• Government and defense contracts: Partnering with Indian defense agencies to develop high-resolution radar imaging solutions.
• Commercial partnerships: Offering satellite imagery and analytical data to industries such as agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
• Technology licensing: Providing radar payload technology to satellite manufacturers and research institutions.

2. Funding Background and Growth Plans

2.1 Seed Funding Round

Sisir Radar has raised $1.5 million in its seed round led by Shastra VC, with participation from Riverwalk Holdings and INVSTT. The capital will be directed toward:

• Strengthening R&D to enhance SAR imaging payloads.
• Scaling manufacturing capabilities to develop next-generation satellite imaging solutions.
• Preparing for the launch of the highest-resolution L-band SAR satellite by 2026.

2.2 Government Support for Spacetech Startups

The Indian government has been proactively supporting the spacetech sector through IN-SPACe’s Rs 500 crore technology adoption fund. This initiative offers up to 60% project cost coverage for startups, further driving innovations in commercial space applications.

3. Founders and Leadership

3.1 Dr. Tapan Misra (Founder)

Dr. Misra, the former director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), is a key figure in India’s satellite technology domain. He brings extensive expertise in radar imaging and satellite payload development.

3.2 Soumya Misra (Co-founder & CEO)

Soumya Misra leads the company’s vision to make India self-reliant in high-resolution satellite imaging. He oversees strategic partnerships, business expansion, and funding initiatives.

3.3 Urmi Bhambhani (Co-founder)

Urmi Bhambhani plays a vital role in the technological advancements of Sisir Radar, focusing on R&D and innovation in SAR-based solutions.

4. Sisir Radar’s Technological Edge

4.1 SAR Imaging Capabilities

Sisir Radar is India’s first company to develop SAR imaging payloads across multiple frequency bands, including:

• L-band: Suitable for penetrating dense vegetation.
• P-band: Ideal for underground and structural imaging.
• X-band: Used for high-resolution imaging in military and surveillance applications.

4.2 Key Applications

The company’s SAR technology supports multiple industries:

• Defense & Intelligence: Continuous real-time surveillance and reconnaissance.
• Agriculture: Crop monitoring and disaster mitigation.
• Mining & Infrastructure: Detecting land deformations and underground structures.
• Maritime & Disaster Response: Monitoring coastal activities and aiding emergency relief operations.

5. Future Roadmap

Sisir Radar is focused on achieving the following milestones:

• Launching the world’s highest-resolution L-band SAR satellite by 2026.
• Expanding global collaborations in the spacetech ecosystem.
• Developing hyperspectral imaging solutions for drone-based applications.

6. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

6.1 Importance of R&D in Innovation

Spacetech startups require a strong emphasis on research and innovation to stay competitive. Investing in R&D is crucial for long-term sustainability and technological breakthroughs.

6.2 Securing Strategic Partnerships

Sisir Radar’s success highlights the role of strategic collaborations with government agencies and private investors in scaling deep-tech startups.

6.3 Addressing Market Demand

Entrepreneurs should focus on solving real-world problems with scalable technology solutions. Sisir Radar’s imaging applications across multiple industries demonstrate a diversified revenue approach.

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