- Cligent Aerospace is developing India’s first indigenous STOL aircraft, designed for unpaved and short runways.
- Their focus lies in developing a clean-sheet STOL aircraft, with parallel efforts exploring hydrogen-electric propulsion as a long-term path toward sustainable aviation.
- The startup is backed by leading institutions and has flown multiple prototypes, signalling credible progress.
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Key Takeaways
- Cligent Aerospace is developing India’s first indigenous STOL aircraft, designed for unpaved and short runways.
- Their focus lies in developing a clean-sheet STOL aircraft, with parallel efforts exploring hydrogen-electric propulsion as a long-term path toward sustainable aviation.
- The startup is backed by leading institutions and has flown multiple prototypes, signalling credible progress.
In a nation with over 450 underutilised airstrips, a startup from Ahmedabad is taking to the skies with a mission to revolutionise regional connectivity. Cligent Aerospace, founded by Harsh Joshi and Vivek Dhut, is designing India’s first fully indigenous Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft — a solution engineered to operate from rugged, semi-prepared airstrips where traditional jets cannot.
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A Founding Vision Rooted in Experience
Harsh Joshi’s journey began in the NCC’s Indian Air Force wing, where he co-piloted STOL aircraft. His exposure to Indian defence and space institutions, including the IAF and ISRO, offered deep insight into the nation’s aerospace challenges. Co-founder Vivek Dhut, an M.Tech in Structural Engineering, complements this experience with academic precision.
Their early work on solar-powered High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) laid the foundation for Cligent’s core competencies in autonomous flight, systems integration, and aerospace design. Today, Cligent is focused on transforming regional aviation with a platform built not just in India, but for India.
Aircraft Designed for Bharat
Cligent’s aircraft features a modular design tailored for dual applications: a 1-ton cargo variant ideal for logistics, e-commerce, and medical supply chains, and a 9-seater passenger variant designed for short-haul routes and charter operations.
With STOL capabilities, these aircraft can operate from 100-150 meter airstrips, take off and land on semi-prepared or rugged terrains, and unlock access to over 450 dormant airstrips across India. These characteristics are especially critical in a country where air connectivity remains largely concentrated around metropolitan hubs.
Clean Propulsion Meets Practical Aviation
Cligent is also investing in hydrogen-electric propulsion, combining fuel cells with electric motors to enable zero-emission and low-noise operations. This hybrid system under development positions the company to meet future regulatory standards and sustainability goals.
“We envision aircraft that not only fly short and land softly but also emit less and cost less,” says Vivek Dhut.
Backed by Institutions, Guided by Innovation
Cligent is supported by government programs such as SISFS, NIDHI Prayas, and Startup Gujarat, and incubated at top institutions including IITs, IIMA Ventures, and PIERC. Their mission is aligned with national imperatives: reducing import dependency, activating dormant infrastructure, and championing clean aviation.
India’s Aviation Paradox and the Need for Indigenous Solutions
Despite being the third-largest domestic aviation market, India continues to import nearly all commercial aircraft. In 2023 alone, $9.6 billion was spent on aircraft and parts. This reliance increases exposure to global supply chain risks, underscoring the need for locally developed platforms.
Cligent addresses this gap with infrastructure-independent, regionally optimised aircraft. The government’s UDAN scheme and rising passenger demand create fertile ground for such innovation.
Market Focus and Business Model
Cligent’s target markets include regional logistics, mid-mile delivery, and regional airline operations. With India’s regional aviation sector projected to exceed $15 billion by 2030, Cligent’s go-to-market strategy involves pilot deployments and corridor-based demonstration flights. As an OEM, the company plans to generate revenue through aircraft sales and leasing, complemented by servicing and maintenance offerings.
Milestones and Momentum
Cligent Aerospace has achieved several key milestones on its journey. The team completed multiple UAV flights to validate aircraft designs and control systems. Their innovation and commitment have earned them the title of Aerospace Startup of the Year by WSRO and DST.
They have also signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with hospitals, academic labs, and logistics firms, showcasing strong ecosystem engagement. Additionally, the company is actively developing a clean aviation roadmap while laying the foundation for a scalable aircraft manufacturing pipeline.
Differentiators in a Crowded Sky
While global peers like Beta Technologies and ZeroAvia pursue electric or hybrid aircraft, Cligent’s core edge lies in its fully indigenous aircraft design, STOL optimisation for fragmented Indian terrain, dedicated R&D in hydrogen-electric propulsion, and strong institutional and academic support.
A Future Built on Resilience and Collaboration
Cligent’s five-year vision includes certifying its 9-seater STOL aircraft and scaling cargo variants for broader commercial deployment. Simultaneously, R&D on hydrogen propulsion continues, with plans to adapt future aircraft for export to regions like Southeast Asia and Africa.
“We’re not just building aircraft,” Harsh Joshi notes. “We’re building the future of Indian aerospace.”
