Hyderabad’s EON Space Labs Secures $1.2 Mn to Launch India’s Lightest Space Telescope

EON Space Labs, a Hyderabad-based space tech start-up, has raised $1.2 million in a pre-series A funding round led by MGF Kavachh, with HHV Advanced Technologies joining as an investor and strategic partner. 

The funding will support the manufacturing of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) payloads, the expansion of EON’s engineering team, and the launch of its ultra-lightweight space telescope, MIRA, by the end of 2025.

Co-founder Sanjay Kumar said, “Together, we will accelerate India’s capabilities in miniaturised optics, high-res imaging, and dual-use payload systems.” 

Founded in 2022, the startup develops miniaturised, high-resolution imaging systems for satellites, drones, and ground platforms. 

Alongside MIRA, EON is preparing to release four new variants of its LUMIRA EO/IR imaging systems for surveillance applications, aiming to serve up to 85% of the global EO/IR market, valued at $11.09 billion. These payloads are optimised for CubeSats, small satellites, and autonomous swarms, covering visible to long-wave infrared spectra.

Expanding EO/IR Capabilities

EON has secured multiple commercial orders following proof-of-concept demonstrations and is expanding its reach to international markets. Sarjeet Yadav, venture partner at MGF Kavachh, said, “We are excited to support the team at EON. They are indigenously building and strengthening India’s position in the global optics and surveillance technology space.”

EON’s imaging systems offer applications across Earth observation, border security, disaster management, and smart infrastructure. Its EO/IR modules integrate AI-driven object identification, support real-time data transmission, and are ruggedised for space and defence environments. 

The startup’s monolithic telescope-based system, which won the Indian Navy’s iDEX Open Challenge, demonstrates its ability to deliver compact, dual-sensor solutions for challenging conditions.

The company has already secured commercial orders following proof-of-concept demonstrations. EON’s vertically integrated model, from optical design to prototyping and manufacturing, operates entirely in India, aiming to boost the domestic space and defence supply chain. 

Prasanth Sakhamuri, managing director of HHV Advanced Technologies, added, “Our partnership with EON is built on a shared commitment to advance India’s high-precision optics manufacturing capabilities.”