New Delhi: IIT Madras is quickly becoming a major center for tech startups, often compared to Silicon Valley. Thanks to its strong support system and groundbreaking projects, the institute has caught the attention of big names in business, including Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. He recently praised IIT Madras, saying it has the potential to compete with Silicon Valley, as new startups are emerging almost every week.
Anand Mahindra’s Praise for Waterfly Technologies
One such startup that has impressed Mahindra the most is Waterfly Technologies. The firm is revolutionizing the face of eco-friendly travel with its electric seagliders, or Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft. These advanced vehicles skim above the surface of the water, which makes them extremely fuel-efficient. Mahindra was particularly thrilled with Waterfly’s efforts, stating, “What I like about this one is not only the potential for tapping our enormous waterways, but the fact that the design of the vehicle is gorgeous.
Why is Waterfly Technologies so unique?
Waterfly’s seagliders are able to take off from the water and fly at around four meters above the water, employing ground effect for improved efficiency. They have a top speed of 500 km/h, which provides them with the speed of an airplane but the cost and versatility of a boat. Currently, the company is in the process of creating a battery-powered seaglider with a 500 km range and is in the process of developing a hydrogen-electric model that would travel up to 2,000 km.
At Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, Waterfly exhibited its thrilling designs and future intentions. The company plans to develop a 100 kg prototype by April 2025, and then a bigger one-tonne version in the same year. By 2026, they plan to bring out a full-scale 20-seater aircraft with a four-tonne payload.
On a lighter side, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan gave a humorous take on why Tesla may not come to India. Although this has nothing to do with IIT Madras or Waterfly Technologies, it’s another example of how India is abuzz with tech talks and innovations.
