SOURCE: AFI
A small Delhi-based firm, Velmenni, is at the forefront of India’s defence innovation, having been awarded the prestigious Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) grant. The company is developing a groundbreaking wireless communication system using Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) technology to establish secure and efficient communication between submarines and control centers.
The iDEX program, initiated by the Ministry of Defence, seeks to bolster India’s defence ecosystem by supporting innovative technologies. Velmenni’s Li-Fi solution has emerged as a game-changer, addressing a critical challenge faced by the Indian Navy.
Traditionally, submarines have relied on physical cable connections to transfer large volumes of data to command centers after returning from missions. This process is time-consuming, cumbersome, and susceptible to security breaches. Velmenni’s Li-Fi technology offers a secure and efficient alternative, enabling wireless data transfer over long distances.
By leveraging the power of light, Li-Fi provides a highly secure communication channel, impervious to interference and interception. This breakthrough technology has the potential to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
While the iDEX grant was awarded last year, the disbursement is structured as milestone-based payments, ensuring the successful development and implementation of the technology. Velmenni’s achievement underscores the potential of Indian startups to contribute significantly to the nation’s defence capabilities.