Green Aero, a deeptech startup incubated at IIT Delhi, has raised $1.6 million in seed funding led by pi Ventures and Antler. The funding will support the development of advanced propulsion systems for defense and hydrogen-powered civil aviation, aiming to reduce India's dependence on imports in this segment. Founded by Prithwish Kundu, a former research scientist with experience at institutions like NASA, the startup is focused on making India self-reliant in aerospace propulsion with engines that are twice as efficient as current global models. The recent achievement of test-firing India's first hydrogen-based aero engine core, The Blue Dragon, positions Green Aero as a pioneer in clean aviation. The startup plans to launch its first engine platform within a year and aims to commercialize zero-emission engines for hydrogen aircraft in the future. The funding will also be utilized to establish testing facilities, expedite research and development, and expand the team. This marks a significant advancement in India's aerospace startup ecosystem, indicating a positive shift towards innovative and sustainable propulsion solutions.