Introduction: A New Era for Indian Space Startups
India’s space ecosystem is witnessing a transformational shift, and at the heart of this momentum is EON Space Labs—a Hyderabad-based deeptech startup building cutting-edge optical imaging systems for space and defense applications. In a significant milestone, EON recently secured $1.2 million in Pre-Series A funding to launch MIRA, which it claims will be India’s lightest space telescope.
Backed by seasoned investors and supported by incubators such as T-Hub and IIT-Madras, the startup is targeting high-resolution, ultra-lightweight, monolithic optical systems that can power the next generation of satellites, drones, and defense tech.
The Funding Round: Strategic Support with Deep Synergy
The $1.2 million Pre-Series A round was co-led by MGF Kavachh and HHV Advanced Technologies—the latter of which is already a key strategic partner in optical component manufacturing.
The funding will be directed toward:
- Final prototyping and testing of MIRA.
- Scaling production of EON’s EO/IR imaging systems (LUMIRA series).
- Strengthening the engineering team.
- Supporting partnerships for satellite launches.
Speaking on the funding, Punit Badeka, co-founder and CTO, said:
“MIRA represents a paradigm shift in imaging—we’ve replaced bulky moving parts with a single block of fused silica, significantly reducing weight while enhancing performance.”
MIRA: India’s Lightest Space Telescope
At the core of EON’s innovation is MIRA—a micro-space telescope that is 3 to 4 times lighter than traditional payloads. The monolithic design, made entirely from fused silica glass, integrates multiple optical elements into one molded unit, eliminating the need for complex assemblies and mechanical alignment.
What Makes It Revolutionary?
- Weight Efficiency: Allows for multiple MIRA payloads on a single satellite, reducing launch costs.
- High Resolution: Capable of delivering detailed EO data without bulk.
- Low Power Consumption: Ideal for nano-satellite constellations or swarming missions.
- Durability: With no moving parts, the system is highly resilient to vibrations during launch.
From the Eye Hospital to the Cosmos
The founding team comprises ophthalmic imaging experts who previously worked at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. Their background in vision systems for retinal diagnostics translated naturally into optical innovation for space.
Co-founders Punit Badeka and Ravi Babu began EON to repurpose high-resolution optical diagnostics into EO/IR surveillance and space-grade imaging—a crossover that’s rare in Indian startup history.
Strategic Partnerships and Upcoming Launches
EON has partnered with TakeMe2Space—a Hyderabad-based satellite launch integrator—and is preparing for a launch aboard an ISRO vehicle by Q1 2026.
Additionally, the startup is working with:
- Defense organizations for long-range thermal surveillance.
- Disaster management agencies for rapid EO deployment.
- Commercial satellite operators for cost-effective constellation payloads.
LUMIRA: EO/IR Systems for Drones and Defense
In parallel to MIRA, EON is developing and deploying LUMIRA—its electro-optical/infrared surveillance system that detects human movement, vehicles, intrusions, and even thermal footprints over long distances.
With MIRA and LUMIRA, EON is targeting two high-value markets:
- $11 billion EO/IR surveillance market (global)
- $3 billion space imaging payloads for LEO satellites
Early clients include Indian border security agencies and private drone manufacturers.
The Rise of DeepTech and Private Space in India
With policies like IN-SPACe and liberalization of space licensing, startups like EON are thriving in an ecosystem that just a few years ago was closed to private players. The rise of Pixxel, Skyroot, and now EON Space Labs shows India is moving from launch vehicles to payload innovation and deeptech IP.
Industry veteran and angel investor Karthik Reddy commented:
“EON’s tech isn’t just a miniaturization feat; it’s a reframing of how optics in space should be thought about—integrated, light, and swappable like software modules.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite its promise, EON faces hurdles:
- Thermal calibration of monolithic optics in varying orbital conditions.
- Regulatory approvals for defense-grade exports.
- Integration with different satellite buses.
However, with technical and manufacturing partnerships in place and strong IP protections, the startup seems poised to scale.
Future Outlook: Scaling Up and Going Global
EON plans to:
- Deploy 10+ MIRA systems by late 2026.
- Begin export partnerships in Southeast Asia and Europe.
- Open a second R&D lab in Bengaluru focused on AI-driven image interpretation.
- Build a modular plug-and-play optical payload portfolio for CubeSats.
If successful, EON could emerge as the “lensmaker of the new space age”, giving both governments and private players access to powerful, affordable, and scalable imaging tools.
Conclusion
By launching MIRA, India’s lightest space telescope, and securing strategic funding to scale, EON Space Labs is carving a niche as a global player in advanced optics. Its mission intersects national security, space innovation, and cutting-edge manufacturing—elements critical to making India a space tech superpower.
