A homegrown innovation that uses AI for real-time detection of humans, vehicles and drones
The annual trade of energy-related critical minerals rose approximately 6 times in the last two decades, according to the World Trade Organisation. As per the Ministry of Mines’ 2023 report, India is 100% import-dependent for 10 critical minerals, including germanium. Major import sources of germanium include China, South Africa, Australia, France and the US.
While demand for critical minerals is rising due to their usefulness in renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) and defence, supply chains remain fragile due to geopolitical uncertainties.
Eon Space Labs launches a Germanium-free innovation, made entirely in India
A Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup EON Space Labs is changing that, by removing the need to import germanium altogether. It has recently launched an indigenously developed germanium-free electro-optical (EO) and infrared imaging system for aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Named Lumira_E40I50, it was designed and engineered to eliminate reliance on germanium – a critical mineral for defence electronics and long-wave infrared imaging.
Designed and manufactured in India, Lumira bypasses the global germanium supply chain, riddled by ongoing export restrictions and price volatility. India is currently 100% import dependent, and geopolitically motivated trade restrictions have caused prices to shoot more than 3 times since mid-2023.
“While germanium remains the industry standard, we made a deliberate decision early to design and engineer a germanium-free infrared imaging system. By eliminating any dependence on its use for thermal imaging, we’ve developed a system that’s resilient not only to supply chain disruptions but also enables scalable, cost-effective domestic manufacturing,” says Sanjay Kumar, Co-founder of EON Space Labs.
AI integration for use in drones and UAVs
As per the startup, Lumira delivers real-time Edge AI detection and classification capabilities that can detect humans from a distance of up to 2 kms and vehicles at 8 kms. The complete suite includes 40X optical zoom, a long-wave infrared thermal sensor, and gimbal. Weight as per specs ranges from 800g to 2.2kg, making it suitable as a plug-and-play payload for compact UAVs, drones, aerostats and eVTOLS, which are engineered to MIL-STD-810H standards, and capable of performing in extreme temperatures from -20°C to +55°C, said the founders in a press statement.
“Lumira is much easier to manufacture domestically at scale and has global export potential. The future of military-grade imaging relies on innovations that combine advanced performance, mission endurance, and payload flexibility, with a zero-compromise mindset on technological sovereignty,” adds Punit Badeka, Co-founder of EON Space Labs.
Supporting ‘Make in India’, this also aligns with the Government of India’s 34,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in January 2025, which aims to secure supply chains by promoting exploration of essential minerals, reducing import dependence and ensuring self-reliance in the critical mineral sector in India.
The deeptech startup says it is also readying the launch of a ground-based ISR platform, named Raven, by mid-2026, to address the present-day reality of asymmetric warfare, driven by the threat of loitering munitions and kamikaze attack drones.
Eon Space Labs had previously raised $1.2 million (approx Rs 10.5 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round led by MGF Kavachh along with participation from HHV Advanced Technologies.
