Olee Space Raises $3M to Boost India’s Laser-Based Quantum Communication & Defense Tech

Pune-based defense and photonics startup Olee Space has raised $3 million in seed funding from Rockstud Capital and global investors. The capital will fuel the development of laser-based quantum communication systems and directed energy weapon (DEW) platforms, placing India in the race for next-generation strategic technologies.

Olee Funding

Founded by IIT Bombay alumnus James Solomon and engineer Suman Hiremath, Olee Space is pioneering Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC) — a system that uses low-powered infrared lasers to deliver ultra-fast, highly secure data across land, sea, air, and space. The technology offers high bandwidth, low latency, and immunity to interception, making it a potential game-changer for defense and aerospace networks.

Building India’s Own Directed Energy Weapons

Alongside FSOC, Olee Space is developing indigenous DEW platforms for anti-drone, anti-UAV, and anti-satellite operations. These high-energy laser systems promise precision tracking and rapid neutralization of airborne threats — capabilities currently held by only a few global defense powers.

“Working with light gives me happiness. What we do here is rewarding to the country, and I want to keep doing it,” said James Solomon, Founder & CEO.
“This funding validates our belief that India can lead in photonics and laser-based technologies. We’re building not just for today but for the future of national security, space, and strategic infrastructure,” added Suman Hiremath, Co-Founder & COO.

Olee Space has spent over five years in research and development, achieving multiple field-level deployments. The new funds will be used to:

• Scale production

• Advance quantum-secure communication protocols

• Expand DEW systems for defense applications

• Strengthen India’s sovereign capabilities in strategic tech

Abhishek Agarwal, Managing Partner at Rockstud Capital, said:

“Olee Space is building a future where secure communication thrives and high-speed data empowers organizations and individuals. James’s vision of a self-healing, ultra-high-bandwidth satellite mesh network is inspiring, and we’re proud to support it.”

Rockstud Capital is investing from its ₹300 crore second fund, focusing on high-potential companies in national security, Industry 4.0, green technologies, and other transformative sectors.

As India accelerates its defense and space ambitions, Olee Space’s innovations could play a key role in building homegrown, unbreakable communication systems and laser-based defense capabilities — advancing the country’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical technologies.