Sanlayan, based in Bengaluru, was founded in September 2023 by Abhijit Kothawale, Rohan Gala, and Rahul Vamsidhar.
The company is developing a radar system using active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology in the X-band range (8 to 12GHz), tailored for low-flying aerial and sea-based targets. Future versions will support a counter-drone system with a layered response, detection, tracking, and verification via electro-optics or video tracking, followed by either soft-kill (jamming) or hard-kill (destruction) measures.
In parallel, it is working on electronic warfare systems, including an electronic support measure payload designed for deployment on unmanned underwater vehicles, a significant project supported by the Indian Navy. These platforms are critical to modern military operations, providing passive surveillance and situational awareness by detecting enemy radar emissions and relaying information to command and control systems for appropriate countermeasures.
Abhijit shares that Sanlayan (संलयन), derived from Sanskrit, means fusion, and is a name that perfectly captures the company’s core philosophy. It represents the seamless blend of speed with rigour, ambition with stability, and organic in-house development with strategic external capability acquisitions. It also symbolises companies and teams coming together to build something greater, faster.
Abhijit explains that Sanlayan’s business model focuses on end-to-end solution development, covering the entire process from initial customer engagement and system design to hardware and software development, integration, and final testing.
While the startup manages testing and system integration in-house, it outsources component manufacturing to a broad network of Indian MSMEs. These partners handle PCB assembly and other build-to-print tasks, enabling Sanlayan to remain agile and cost-effective while concentrating on high-value, system-level design and integration.
In terms of software, Sanlayan emphasises real-time data fusion and AI-based features for target detection and classification. Their systems are built on software-defined platforms with APIs that allow for seamless integration with existing mission computers and command-and-control systems. Additionally, they offer in-house capabilities to develop custom C2 (command and control) software tailored to client needs.
While discussing the challenges, Abhijit shares that Sanlayan faced hurdles on both the organic and inorganic fronts. Organically, the most significant challenge was building a skilled and passionate team from the ground up. The founders assembled a diverse group—ranging from fresh graduates to industry veterans, ex-servicemen, and retired DRDO scientists—creating a balance of scientific rigour and practical experience. The hiring process required targeted outreach, thorough evaluation, and fostering a culture focused on deep-tech development. The dual pressure of proving technological depth while operating at a startup speed in a risk-averse industry made every step, from acquiring a certified MSME to establishing its in-house R&D, a careful balancing act. Unlike typical tech startups, success here is not just about innovation, but about earning trust, clearances, and battle-ready performance in a highly strategic sector.
Currently, Sanlayan employs approximately 50 people and plans to double its workforce within the next couple of months. By the end of the financial year, the total headcount across Sanlayan and its subsidiaries is expected to have doubled.
Their facility in South Bangalore spans 1161.288 square meters (12,500 square feet). It includes a Class 10,000 clean room for assembling high-frequency components, advanced testing labs with RF equipment up to 40GHz, and state-of-the-art design software for simulation, modelling, and engineering.
Although Sanlayan is in the early stages of commercialisation, the company has already secured several key orders. These include projects from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), DRDO labs, and the Indian Air Force.
Looking ahead, Sanlayan will continue to double down on its strategy of acquiring profitable, certified MSMEs with strong and real customer relationships, scaling them through a central team, and investing in R&D to indigenise and move up the value chain into radars and electronic warfare systems.
