Chennai-based deeptech robotics startup Unibose raises Rs 5.5 crore in funding

Unibose Technology, a Chennai-based deeptech robotics startup, has raised Rs 5.5 crore in a pre-Series A funding round to scale its breakthrough robotic solutions for hazardous, explosive, and confined industrial environments.

The round was led by O2 Angels, with participation from IN44 Capital, Coimbatore Innovation and Business Incubator, and other strategic angel investors. Prior to this round, the startup raised Rs 2.5 crore in a seed round from StartupTN.

Founded by Manikandan Dakshinamoorthy, Samayaraj Durairaj, Sakthivel Panneerselvam, and Venkatesh Sundaramurthy, Unibose claims to be Asia's first and the world’s third company to develop an ATEX Zone-0 compliant robot capable of operating inside live petroleum, chemical, and gas tanks — traditionally considered too hazardous for human entry. These environments often contain explosive gases, zero-oxygen levels, and toxic residues.

In addition to the robot, the startup has developed custom-certified Zone-0 vision and lighting systems, making it the only company in Asia to offer a fully integrated Zone-0 certified robotic and vision system for confined space operations.

Operating on a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, Unibose enables industries to access life-saving automation without upfront investment, driving adoption across sectors including oil & gas, chemicals, fertilizers, and heavy industries.

“We backed Unibose for their unmatched technical depth and the scalability of their robotics platform. They’re a true example of what Indian engineering can achieve on the global stage,” said Rajesh Ranjan, Co-Founder, O2 Angels.

“Unibose has built an extremely relevant solution for high-risk industries. Their certified robots are already market-ready, and we are excited to support them in scaling this globally,” said Sathish Ganesan, Partner, IN44 Capital.

“The NMER Robot isn’t just a product — it’s a safety revolution,” said Manikandan Dakshinamoorthy, Founder & CEO of Unibose. “We have engineered a solution to a global problem that has long been ignored. With this funding, we are set to scale across India, GCC, and Southeast Asia, strengthen R&D in AI-based inspection and compliance tools, and build a strong OEM and partner ecosystem.”