Alteon Raises $2.5 Mn To Develop Long-Endurance Autonomous Aircraft

Bengaluru-based Alteon startup secured $2.5 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Lachy Groom to develop autonomous aircraft capable of staying airborne for months. The capital will fund its dynamic-soaring technology, scale R&D, and deploy fleets over the ocean, according to the company. The latest funding follows an offshore flight test where Alteon's aircraft autonomously completed multiple loops less than a meter above the ocean's surface.

Founder Samay Sanghvi began working on the technology in 2023 and incorporated the startup in 2025, assembling a team of 20 engineers. Alteon's aircraft utilize wind energy, similar to albatrosses, to power their flights. Unlike traditional aircraft, Alteon's aim to build planes that can fly for extended periods without refueling or maintenance.

The startup's goal is to create aircraft capable of staying airborne for more than a year, which could enable continuous ocean monitoring and aid in monitoring activities like illegal fishing and drug trafficking. The funding comes as India's UAV market expands, driven by growing demand for unmanned systems in defense, surveillance, infrastructure, and logistics.

The market is projected to reach $1.39 billion by 2030, with defense and military applications expected to drive growth.