In a groundbreaking development for clean aviation, SiriNor—a deep-tech aerospace startup with roots in India and Norway—has successfully completed ground testing of its all-electric jet engine in Pune. The achievement places the engine at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), as per NASA’s classification, bringing the project one step closer to commercial reality. The test exceeded expectations, surpassing the design target of 40,000 RPM and delivering 10 kgf of thrust, proving the concept’s technical soundness and scalability.
The compact propulsion unit is built for a wide range of uses, including UAVs, regional aircraft, seaplanes, and defense platforms. SiriNor’s flexible architecture allows integration with both electric battery systems and hydrogen fuel cells, reinforcing its adaptability to future aviation needs.
The company, backed by investors such as Shell E4 and DCM Shriram Industries CEO Alok B Shriram, has already secured seven Letters of Intent from international drone and light aircraft operators. Its team—comprising aerospace engineers, propulsion specialists, and former executives from leading aviation firms like Airbus, GE, and Pratt & Whitney—blends technical depth with commercial insight.
The demonstration drew attention from prominent industry leaders, including Subhrajit Dey (Shell), Ravinder Pal Singh (former CIO, Vistara), and Ravi Andrews (formerly of Airbus), who witnessed the technology in action.
Commenting on the milestone, Ivar Aune, SiriNor’s Chairman and CEO, said, “This isn’t just another tech demo. It’s a validation of years of tireless work, a shared vision, and a belief in transforming aviation from the ground up. Our team has pushed through countless challenges to reach this moment.”
Designed to cover thrust levels from 1kN up to 90kN with ranges exceeding 4,000 km, SiriNor’s electric engine removes the need for combustion chambers, significantly lowering production costs by 30% and cutting maintenance by up to 40%. Partnerships for component manufacturing and supply chain support are already forming in hubs like Pune, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad.
Abhijeet Inamdar, Co-founder and CEO of SiriNor India, emphasized, “Our goal is to deliver emission-free flight without compromising performance. This engine represents a leap forward for clean aviation—and we’re proud it’s being developed under India’s innovation banner.”
Looking ahead, SiriNor plans to commercialize its UAV engine by mid-2026, followed by certification targets for seaplanes by 2027 and regional aircraft by 2030. The startup aims to capture a significant share of the $100 billion-plus global jet engine market. SiriNor is a next-generation aerospace company developing the world’s first fully electric jet engine designed to deliver zero-emission flight without compromising on performance. Operating between Norway and India, the startup has created a groundbreaking tip-driven propulsion system that uses distributed motors along the engine’s edge—eliminating the need for a central hub. This design significantly lowers heat generation and simplifies manufacturing, reducing costs by at least 30%.
The engine’s power-agnostic setup makes it compatible with both electric battery systems and hydrogen fuel cells, allowing it to adapt as aviation’s energy landscape evolves. SiriNor is now preparing for TRL 7 testing of its 40×50 cm prototype and is on track to commercialize its UAV engine by mid-2026. From there, it plans to scale its technology to larger aircraft, targeting certification for seaplanes by 2027 and regional aircraft by the mid-2030s. By focusing on a phased rollout, the company positions itself as a practical and forward-looking force in clean aviation. Ivar Aune, Co-Founder and Chairman of SiriNor, is based in Stavanger, Norway. With more than two decades of experience spanning venture capital, engineering, and energy technology, he leads the company’s global direction and strategy. At SiriNor, Ivar brings together Norway’s deep engineering expertise and India’s growing aerospace ecosystem to drive innovation in electric propulsion.
Before launching SiriNor, Ivar was Investment Director at Equinor Ventures, where he managed investments in advanced technologies including hydrogen and fusion power, backing firms like Syzygy Plasmonics and Commonwealth Fusion Systems. His portfolio includes board roles at more than a dozen startups across energy, automation, and drilling technology.
Ivar holds a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from NTNU and is certified in project management from OsloMet. His career includes leadership roles at Statoil, Norsk Hydro, and several global advisory boards, giving him a well-rounded perspective on scaling complex deeptech ventures.
Abhijeet Inamdar is SiriNor’s Co-Founder and CEO for India, guiding the startup’s efforts in strategy, fundraising, and strategic alliances. He brings over 15 years of international experience in energy, aviation, and deeptech innovation. At SiriNor, he is focused on building power-agnostic jet engines that can be applied across UAVs, seaplanes, and regional aircraft—pushing the boundaries of sustainable flight.
Previously, Abhijeet was an Investment Manager at Equinor, where he led deals in areas like emissions monitoring, AI/ML, hydrogen, and clean mobility. He served on the boards of fast-growing companies such as SeekOps, Reveal Energy Services, and Ambyint, and also advised Advanced Aircraft Company, a US-based hybrid drone firm. Abhijeet holds a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and was recognized in Hart Energy’s “40 Under 40” list for top energy investors in North America in 2019.
