VDUT-AI
Meet our Founder
Maj Gen Maniyil Indrabalan is a distinguished military leader turned technology entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to India's strategic advancement. A battle-hardened Kargil War veteran, his career spans three and a half decades of exemplary service, in counterinsurgency operations, high altitude warfare, arid desert terrain, jungles of NE, and war-torn Sierra Leone as a United Nations Military Observer. He enjoys the rare distinction of sailing around the world in a yacht without GPS and developing critical infrastructure for the Indian Navy.
Following his military service, Gen Indrabalan emerged as a driving force in India's UAV technology indigenization movement. He currently serves as Military Technology Advisor to multiple defense startups and founded FIDAR to promote indigenous drone, autonomous platforms, and robotics. His strategic insights on technology sovereignty and national security are regularly featured across leading media platforms, while his role as Independent Director and Risk Management Committee Chairman at Unifi Mutual Fund demonstrates his financial acumen.
Gen Indrabalan's unique expertise combines battlefield experience with advanced academic credentials from IIT Kharagpur, Army War College, and College of Military Engineering. He brings rare insight into how technology shapes national progress. This comprehensive background positions him to lead VDUT-AI's mission of strengthening India's deep technology ecosystem through strategic investments that create both financial value for investors and technological sovereignty for the nation.
Maj Gen Maniyil Indrabalan (Retd.)
Founder & Managing Director
From Battlefield to Board Room:
Vajra Dual-Use Technologies driven by AI
Akhil Indrabalan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does VDUT-AI do?
We connect startups with investors, facilitate market access, and provide strategic advisory services. Our expertise spans investment facilitation, business development, and growth strategy for India's deep technology ecosystem.
How is VDUT-AI different from other consultancies?
We deploy a unique multi-disciplinary approach combining military strategy, technology expertise, and financial innovation. Each client receives a dedicated specialist providing personalized mentorship and continuous support throughout their growth journey.
Who can benefit from VDUT-AI's services?
Technology startups seeking funding and market access, investors looking for curated deep tech opportunities, and companies needing strategic growth advisory in drones, robotics, AI, and emerging technologies.
What industries do you focus on?
We specialize in deep technology sectors including drones, autonomous platforms, robotics, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and rare earth materials across defense and civilian applications.
How do you help startups raise funding?
We connect startups with qualified investors, prepare companies for funding rounds, provide pitch development support, and facilitate the entire process from initial introductions to deal closure.