As India prepares to present its growing innovation ecosystem on a global stage, Bengaluru-based startup Ethereal Machines has been selected to participate in Bharat Innovates 2026, the Ministry of Education’s flagship initiative taking place in Nice, France, from 14–16 June 2026.
The event will feature around 120 deep-tech and R&D-driven startups before global investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, highlighting India’s progress in research, entrepreneurship, and technology development.
Founded by Kaushik Mudda and Navin Jain, Ethereal Machines develops proprietary 5-axis machining systems and operates an on-demand manufacturing platform serving industries such as aerospace, defence, healthcare, and electronics. Its customer base includes HAL, BEL, and Collins Aerospace.
The company’s journey began in 2013 when the 2 founders, then electrical engineering students at RV College of Engineering, set out to build a 5-axis CNC machine from their dorm room. What was initially expected to take 1 year eventually required 4.5 years of development as they tackled challenges across hardware, software, electronics, and precision engineering.
Their efforts led to the creation of Ethereal Halo, the world’s first 5-axis desktop CNC machine with integrated 3D printing capabilities. The system combines additive and subtractive manufacturing, allowing engineers to produce complex components within a single setup.
The innovation gained global recognition at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, where Halo received the Best of Innovation Award, making Ethereal Machines the first Indian company to earn the recognition in any category.
Facing hesitation from customers to adopt locally developed CNC machines, the company shifted its business model and launched a Machining-as-a-Service platform. Through the platform, customers can upload CAD files, receive instant quotations, and order precision-manufactured components without owning machinery. The service supports materials including aluminium, titanium, steel, copper, brass, and high-performance plastics, with tolerances of up to 0.002 mm.
Ethereal Machines is now working to develop India’s first indigenous multi-axis CNC controller and plans to establish a 250,000 sq. ft. smart factory near Bengaluru that will serve as both a manufacturing hub and precision engineering research centre.
To support its expansion, the company raised $13 million in a Series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners and Steadview Capital, with participation from Blume Ventures. It currently operates from a 55,000 sq. ft. facility in Bengaluru and has signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka for its upcoming factory project.
From a dorm-room idea to a globally recognized manufacturing company, Ethereal Machines reflects India’s growing capabilities in deep-tech innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.