Kalam Labs, a startup from Lucknow specialising in stratospheric aerial robotics, is preparing to make a significant pitch on Shark Tank India Season 5, aiming to secure ₹2 crore for 0.67% equity, which valuates the company at almost ₹300 crore. This innovative startup is presenting itself as a transformative alternative to specific satellite operations, using balloon-assisted high-altitude drones that operate in the stratosphere at considerably lower costs.
Kalam Labs’ technology addresses vital applications such as weather monitoring, surveillance, and military strategy, providing options that are much more affordable and adaptable compared to conventional satellites. The founders assert that their systems can offer equivalent intelligence and monitoring functions while costing about one-tenth of what international competitors request.
Reflecting on their experience on Shark Tank, the founders mentioned that it provided an opportunity to share their NearSpace vision with millions across India. At Kalam Labs, they are developing essential NearSpace vehicle technologies that encompass aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion, all supported by extensive research and homegrown innovation. Their overarching aim, they stated, is to empower Bharat Atmanirbhar not only in manufacturing but also in advanced research and technology, encouraging participation from the nation in shaping the future of NearSpace.
A visionary product for the nation! Will Kalam Labs secure a deal? Watch Shark Tank India Season 5 and MasterChef India streaming now on Sony LIV.
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) January 8, 2026
The inception of Kalam Labs traces back to three university friends — Ahmad Faraaz, Sashakt Tripathi, and Harshit Awasthi — who shared a passion for space and emerging technologies. Prior to venturing into the defence sector, the trio developed a space metaverse platform and collaborated on a significant film featuring Hrithik Roshan involving a space-centric mission. As time passed, their focus transitioned from exploration and storytelling to tangible applications, leading to a decisive shift towards defence innovation, where the technological need and impact are much more significant.
Currently, Kalam Labs operates with a dedicated team of 15 members, specialising in creating stratospheric drones capable of flying between 33,000 and 1,64,000 feet — a range that sits above conventional tropospheric drones and below outer space. The startup boasts its own manufacturing and testing facilities at its Lucknow headquarters.
The spacetech startup completed its initial operational mission with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in March 2025. Its drones are presently deployed at Pokhran, India’s nuclear test site, and along the Indo-China Line of Control (LAC). Key platforms developed by Kalam Labs include a Stratospheric ISR UAV for surveillance, a Stratospheric Retrievable Radiosonde for weather analysis, and a Stratospheric Kamikaze UAV Swarm, which is currently undergoing final testing.
According to the co-founders, the stratospheric capabilities of Kalam Labs’ UAVs enable them to operate beyond the reach of conventional adversaries, perform continuous surveillance over extensive areas, and safely return post-mission, presenting a versatile and cost-effective alternative to satellites and high-risk aerial assets.
