In a recent conversation with Indian Startup Times, Suyash Mishra reflected on how a college project unexpectedly evolved into a deep-tech startup working to transform one of the most overlooked yet essential components of modern industry electric motors.
Suyash’s journey into entrepreneurship did not begin with a traditional startup idea. It began with a technical challenge. While working on a drone project during his college years, his team needed a high-performance electric motor that was simply not available in the market. Faced with this limitation, they decided to build one themselves. The success of that prototype sparked a realization that went beyond the project itself. It revealed a significant gap in the electric motor ecosystem, one where legacy technologies had remained largely unchanged despite the growing demand for efficiency.
As Suyash explained during the interaction, electric motors account for a substantial share of global electricity consumption, yet most systems still rely on decades-old induction motor technology. This insight laid the foundation for Gati Drives.
The name itself reflects the company’s philosophy. “Gati,” meaning speed, symbolizes motion and efficiency, while “Drives” refers to motor controllers, the systems that enable machines to function. Together, the name captures the startup’s focus on making motion smarter and more energy-efficient.
At the center of this mission is the company’s core innovation: the Slip Synchronous Permanent Magnet (SSPM) motor. Designed as an alternative to traditional induction motors, the SSPM motor delivers higher efficiency and significantly lower electricity consumption while remaining cost-effective compared to imported high-end alternatives. In one of its early real-world validations, the motor demonstrated up to 50 percent electricity savings in an air cooler application, highlighting its practical impact rather than just theoretical advantage.
Breaking into the B2B hardware space, however, required more than technological superiority. Trust is often the biggest hurdle for new manufacturers. Instead of relying solely on claims, Gati Drives adopted a performance-first approach. The team supplied free sample motors to OEMs and encouraged them to directly compare energy use and output with their existing systems. This hands-on validation allowed potential customers to experience the benefits firsthand and helped the company build credibility in a traditionally conservative industry.
Commercial production began this year, and the company now operates with a manufacturing capacity of 5,000 motors per month. Its market outreach remains focused and strategic, leveraging platforms such as IndiaMART and LinkedIn to connect directly with appliance manufacturers rather than entering consumer e-commerce channels.
The startup’s early momentum was strengthened by a ₹3 crore seed funding round raised from Campus Fund, which provided not only capital but also valuable customer introductions and strategic guidance. Looking ahead, Gati Drives is preparing to raise additional funding within the next two to three months as it continues scaling its production capabilities.
Its immediate focus remains on replacing induction motors in appliances such as air coolers and air conditioners. Over time, the company aims to expand into industrial automation and the electric vehicle ecosystem, while also exploring international markets as a viable alternative to Chinese motor suppliers.
What began as a student-built solution has now evolved into a manufacturing-driven startup with a clear purpose modernizing an essential technology that powers everyday life. As Suyash emphasized, the future of innovation may not always lie in creating something entirely new, but in rethinking and improving what the world already depends on.
Interview Conducted By : Arushi Agarwal
