A high-altitude innovation from Lucknow is set to take centre stage on national television. Stratospheric aerial robotics startup Kalam Labs is preparing to pitch its NearSpace technology on Shark Tank India Season 5, aiming to bring advanced space-adjacent capabilities to a wider audience.
Kalam Labs is seeking ₹2 crore in exchange for 0.67% equity, valuing the company at close to ₹300 crore. The startup is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to certain satellite-based operations by deploying balloon-assisted, high-altitude drones that operate in the stratosphere at a fraction of satellite costs.
The company’s technology focuses on critical applications such as weather detection, surveillance, and strategic military operations. According to the founders, their platforms can deliver intelligence and monitoring capabilities similar to satellites while costing nearly 1/10th of what global competitors typically charge. This makes the solution both flexible and economically viable for large-scale deployment.
Reflecting on their Shark Tank journey, the founders said the show offered a powerful platform to present their NearSpace vision to millions of Indians. At Kalam Labs, they are developing core NearSpace vehicle technologies covering aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion, backed by deep research and indigenous innovation. Their broader goal is to make Bharat Atmanirbhar not only in manufacturing but also in research and advanced technology, while inviting citizens to participate in shaping the future of NearSpace.
Kalam Labs was founded by 3 college friends — Ahmad Faraaz, Sashakt Tripathi, and Harshit Awasthi — who shared a long-standing interest in space and emerging technologies. Before entering the defence sector, the trio worked on a space metaverse platform and collaborated on a major Hrithik Roshan film centred on a space mission. Over time, they shifted focus from creative exploration to real-world defence applications, where technological impact is more immediate.
Today, the startup operates with a 15-member team and builds stratospheric drones capable of flying between 33,000 and 1,64,000 feet. This NearSpace zone lies above conventional drones and below outer space. Kalam Labs runs its own manufacturing and testing facility in Lucknow.
Kalam Labs completed its first operational mission with the India Meteorological Department in March 2025. Its drones are currently deployed at Pokhran and along the Indo-China Line of Control. Key platforms include a Stratospheric ISR UAV, a Stratospheric Retrievable Radiosonde, and a Stratospheric Kamikaze UAV Swarm, now in final testing.
The founders say the stratospheric advantage allows their UAVs to operate beyond enemy reach, conduct long-duration surveillance over large areas, and safely return after missions, offering a practical and affordable alternative to satellites.
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