From JEE tutor to defence-tech founder: How olee.space built one of India’s early startup-made laser weapons

India’s deep-tech and defence innovation ecosystem is witnessing a rapid transformation, and one emerging example is olee.space, a Pune-based startup that has moved from research-stage development to live military technology demonstrations within a short span.

Founded in 2023 by James Solomon and Suman Hiremath, the company has developed laser-based communication systems and directed-energy weapon technologies aimed at strategic and defence applications.

According to Solomon, the startup commercialised two products within six months — a laser communication system and a laser-directed energy weapon. Both technologies were demonstrated during an optics symposium in Prayagraj attended by senior political and military leadership, including Yogi Adityanath and Rajnath Singh.

Laser weapons with multiple power tiers

The startup’s laser weapon platform has reportedly been designed in multiple power configurations ranging from 2 kilowatts to 50 kilowatts. According to the company, the system can engage targets in under three seconds and is compatible with existing radar networks.

Directed-energy systems such as laser weapons are increasingly being explored globally for counter-drone operations, missile interception, and battlefield air defence because they can neutralise threats at high speed with comparatively lower operational costs than traditional missile systems.

The company has also developed laser communication technology, an area gaining strategic importance due to its potential for secure, high-speed optical data transmission in military and satellite communication systems.

Building defence tech outside traditional government systems

Unlike conventional defence suppliers that depend directly on government procurement cycles, olee.space is pursuing partnerships with larger defence companies to accelerate market access and maintain revenue flow.

Solomon noted that relying solely on direct military contracts can be difficult for startups operating in capital-intensive deep-tech sectors. The company’s current defence order has reportedly been secured through collaboration with an Indian defence firm, although the partner has not been publicly named.

The startup, initially bootstrapped, has raised nearly $3 million in funding from investors including IIMA Ventures and Rockstud Capital.

From IIT Bombay to indigenous defence innovation

The journey of James Solomon reflects the changing landscape of Indian entrepreneurship in strategic technology sectors.

A materials science graduate from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Solomon began working on defence technologies during his college years through internships and independent technical projects.

Coming from a modest financial background, he supported himself by teaching students preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination while building expertise in advanced engineering systems.

Today, the company employs a 25-member engineering-focused team, including professionals with experience from organisations such as Defence Research and Development Organisation and Bharat Electronics Limited.

A sign of India’s changing deep-tech ecosystem

The rise of startups like olee.space highlights how private Indian firms are increasingly entering strategic sectors once dominated almost entirely by government laboratories and public-sector defence companies.

The company’s rapid progression from concept development to commercial deployment also reflects broader changes in India’s innovation ecosystem, where defence-tech, AI, robotics, aerospace, and advanced materials are emerging as key areas of startup activity.

As India pushes for greater technological self-reliance and indigenous defence manufacturing, ventures working on laser systems, optical communications, and directed-energy technologies could become increasingly important to the country’s future strategic capabilities.