Sakar Robotics

IIT Palakkad

Sakar Robotics, a starup from IIT Palakkad, embarked on a mission to transform the labor-intensive processes of sewer and construction maintenance. Initially, their focus was on tackling the problem of manual scavenging in sewer cleaning—a significant issue despite existing robotic technologies. To address this, they conducted extensive site observations and interviews with municipal authorities, outsourced contractors, and manual scavengers across cities like Pune, Bangalore, and Indore. They reviewed research papers, government reports, and existing products, only to discover that while advanced machinery was available, its use was sporadic, and manual labor remained prevalent due to entrenched practices and complex decision-making processes.

This early work, however, did not yield the anticipated breakthroughs. During this period, Sakar Robotics joined GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program, seeking guidance and support to refine their approach. The program proved to be a game-changer, offering crucial guidance that helped the team transition from a product-focused mindset to a more targeted strategy. The support from GDC’s mentors and instructors was instrumental in identifying the most pressing problems within their domain and validating their hypotheses. This led Sakar Robotics to pivot their focus towards the construction industry, specifically addressing the needs of civil contractors and builders. Insights from attending an international conference on construction automation and conducting thorough industry research uncovered a significant opportunity: the construction sector, grappling with severe labor shortages, was in urgent need of automation solutions for tasks such as reinforcement, brickwork, wall finishing, and tiling.

With this newfound focus, Sakar Robotics developed Sakar Vortex, an innovative automation solution designed to enhance plastering and painting in residential buildings. This strategic pivot, driven by the program’s insights, has directed their efforts towards addressing the critical needs of the construction industry.

Moving forward, Sakar Robotics is dedicated to validating their market assumptions and refining their product with ongoing feedback. Their strategy includes securing pre-seed funding, executing paid proof-of-concepts, and continuously enhancing their solutions. Their experience with GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program underscores how targeted mentorship and strategic guidance can profoundly shape and advance a startup’s trajectory.