After showcase before Prez, LPU start-up invited for talks by Commerce Ministry

A research-driven student initiative at Lovely Professional University (LPU) has emerged as a promising deep tech clean air venture. AerSense Labs, founded by LPU student Rohit Krishna, recently represented indigenous innovation before the President of India Droupadi Murmu during a national-level event in New Delhi.

The defining moment marked the start-up’s rapid rise from campus lab to national recognition. AerSense Labs originated within the LPU’s research ecosystem and received Rs 5.7 lakh as support from the university, enabling its transition from academic research to a commercial spin-out. Within just over a year, the company has scaled from R&D and prototyping to small-batch manufacturing.

It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s second largest rail and metro equipment manufacturer, covering co-development, engineering collaboration, and prioritised component and Bill of Materials (BoM) support. The programme, valued at Rs 60 lakh, has already translated into a confirmed order of 3,000 units.

The start-up is set to commence nationwide railway pilot trials next month, with 100 units scheduled for deployment across multiple corridors for real-time operational evaluation. Simultaneously, the company has secured confirmed international orders.

On the financial front, AerSense Labs is projecting over Rs 15 crore in revenue in the upcoming fiscal cycle, driven by confirmed orders, pilot deployments, and strategic partnerships. Investor confidence has followed suit, with the startup receiving a term sheet offer of Rs 6 crore for 12 per cent equity, implying a post money valuation of Rs 50 crore.

Col Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor of LPU, stated, “LPU’s foundational vision is not only to develop skilled professionals but also nurture innovators and job creators who deliver solutions for societal wellness.”

The startup’s journey has also drawn attention at the highest policy levels. Following its showcase before the President, the AerSense team has been invited for discussions with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, led by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, and has engaged with Lieve Fransen, Senior Adviser to the European Policy Centre and a prominent voice at the United Nations on health, social, and migration policies.