Olee.Space, a photonics and defense technology innovator, has announced the appointment of Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics (BEL), as its Strategic Production Advisor.
With a career spanning more than 4 decades in India’s defense electronics and technology sector, Gowtama brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, growth through innovation, and large-scale defense production to enhance Olee.Space’s purpose of developing indigenous capabilities in defense aerospace, and communications systems.
Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava was the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics. During his tenure, BEL solidified its position as India’s premier defense electronics company, breaking new ground in radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. He promoted R&D partnerships, defense electronics innovation, and convergence of emerging technologies across spheres.
In his advisory role, Gowtama will lead Olee.Space through developing cutting-edge defence electronic systems encompassing various technologies, including LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Secure Communication Networks.
James Solomon, Founder & CEO, Olee.Space, said, “Mr Gowtama’s appointment represents a turning point for Olee.Space as we move forward to align our innovations with India’s strategic vision for defense and civilian use cases. His unmatched deep experience in heading indigenous defense programmes will lead us to speed up technology development and drive operational excellence across our programs.”
Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), said, “Passion and commitment are driving the Olee.Space team to new frontiers. I am excited to join a team that is transforming how India develops and deploys cutting-edge defense technologies, and I look forward to supporting their mission of technological superiority and self-reliance.”
Founded in 2023 by James Solomon and Suman Hiremath, olee.space is a photonics and defense technology company based in Pune, India. olee.space is developing breakthrough technologies in quantum-encrypted laser communications and directed energy weapon (DEW) systems.
Earlier this year, Olee.Space raised $3 million in seed funding from leading global and domestic investors, including BIG Global, IIM A Ventures, Rockstud Capital, and SIDBI.
olee.space has appointed Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd) as its Strategic Defense Advisor.
