Anand Mahindra blown away by IIT Madras startup’s futuristic seaglider, calls it India's answer to Silicon Valley

Waterfly Technologies, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, is developing electric seagliders as a sustainable alternative to air and ferry travel. These Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft fly just above water, reaching speeds of 500 km/h while maintaining efficiency. Showcased at Aero India, a prototype is expected by 2025, where travelling from Kolkata to Chennai will be possible at just Rs 600. This unique innovation in the field of technology has caught the eyes of Mahindra Group Chairman who is blown away by its design.

On X, the account of Indian Tech and Infra posted the news about the IIT Madra’s innovation. It talked about Waterfly Technologies, a startup at IIT Madras, working on introducing a new transportation method in India. The company plans to offer travel from Kolkata to Chennai for just Rs 600 using a Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft, which operates four meters above the sea surface.

Anand Mahindra reacted to this and wrote, “IIT Madras promises to rival silicon valley in terms of nurturing startups…!Almost every week there’s news of a new ‘TechVenture’. What I like about this one is not just the promise of exploitation of our vast waterways, but the fact that the design of the craft is stunning! Design Rules!”

Internet reacts

Users expressed excitement over the innovation, with some calling India unstoppable and others praising the impressive development. One comment highlighted how IIT Madras is not just fostering startups but also driving global innovation, positioning India as a potential rival to Silicon Valley. Another emphasized the importance of financial backing from major corporations to fuel further advancements. A user also pointed out the need for better design tools, noting that most are Western-made with expensive licensing, contrasting it with China’s investment in foundational technologies.