Bengaluru-based Alteon is building autonomous aircraft designed to stay airborne for extended periods by drawing energy from wind over the ocean. The startup has raised $2.5 million in a pre-seed round led by Lachy Groom, with participation from Together Fund.
Founded by Samay Sanghvi, Alteon is inspired by dynamic soaring, a flight technique seen in albatrosses that uses differences in wind speed between air layers to gain energy. The company's goal is to create small fixed-wing aircraft that can repeatedly climb, turn, and harvest wind shear above the sea.
In a recent test over the Bay of Bengal, the aircraft completed seven autonomous O-shaped cycles at more than 62 miles per hour while flying close to the water's surface. Alteon says its next milestone is energy-neutral dynamic soaring, a stage where the aircraft could remain aloft with propulsion switched off.
The startup initially sees strong potential in maritime surveillance, offering real-time visibility across large stretches of water. Alteon also plans to use propellers as turbines in future versions to convert motion into electricity and recharge onboard batteries.
With a growing team in Bengaluru and frequent test flights, Alteon is pushing a bold aerospace idea closer to practical use. If successful, the approach could open new possibilities for long-duration aerial systems in monitoring, research, and remote operations, shaping the future of efficient flight.
