*Shark Tank India 5 flag flies high, reaches the edge of space with High Altitude Defence Innovation from Kalam Labs*
What if a drone could rise from the ground, float to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, and conduct surveillance? That futuristic vision is now a reality with Kalam Labs, a Lucknow-based defence-tech startup pushing the boundaries of high-altitude defence operations through low-cost, balloon-assisted drone technology. Giving an impactful demonstration, the pitchers took the Shark Tank India S5 flag to the edge of space mounting the significance of their idea.
Designed to operate without emitting thermal energy, Kalam Labs' resuable drones are engineered to redefine how surveillance and defence missions can be executed.
The journey of Kalam Labs began with three college friends, Ahmad Faraaz, Sashakt Tripathi, and Harshit Awasthi- united by a shared fascination with space and technology. Long before entering the defense sector, the trio built a space metaverse platform and even collaborated on a major Hrithik Roshan film for a space-themed mission. Over time, their passion evolved from exploration to application, leading them to pivot decisively into defense innovation, where impact and urgency are far greater.
That ambition now takes centre stage on Season 5, where the founders will pitch and ask for ₹2 crore in exchange for 0.67% equity. Their solution aims to replace certain expensive satellite functions with balloon-assisted, high-altitude drones that offer cost-effective alternatives for weather detection, surveillance, and strategic military operations.
Reflecting on their mission and the intensity of the experience, the founders share, “Shark Tank India gave us a platform to take our NearSpace vision to millions. At Kalam Labs, we are building core NearSpace vehicle technologies- from aerodynamics and avionics to propulsion, rooted in deep research and innovation. Our goal is to make Bharat Atmanirbhar in research and technology, not just manufacturing, and invite the nation to join us in shaping the future of NearSpace.”
_Catch this high-stakes, high-altitude pitch on Shark Tank India Season 5 at 8:00 p.m. streaming on Sony LIV & airing on Sony Television Entertainment._
