Blurgs AI honing the intelligence layer for maritime security and trade

Blurgs AI is built on a forward‑looking vision–and in our conversation with co-founder Roshan Raj, it became clear just how sincerely that vision is being executed. From its 2020 origins at IIT Madras to its positioning today in geospatial and drone‑based intelligence solutions, Blurgs AI is charting multiple strategic directions–each backed by rigorous research, long‑term ambition, and clear intent. What began in 2020 as a defense-focused venture–building platforms now deployed along India’s coastline–has evolved into a dual-use technology company poised to modernize global maritime operations. As Roshan puts it, Burgs AI aims to be the “Google Maps” of maritime spaces. They want to be the go-to option for all things logistics. The young and diverse crew is a plus, as they are not afraid of doing things a little differently.

Journey from 2020 until now

A brainchild of IIT Madras alumni, Blurgs AI has multiple wins under its belt. In 2022, they won DRDO’s Dare2Dream award for their commitment to “advancing India’s defense tech.” They were felicitated at the Nasscom Emerge 50 event as the best startup in November 2023. BEL procurement occurred in January 2024 – the company delivered an advanced maritime domain awareness system, solidifying India’s defense force with new AI technology.

Core offerings and finding a footing in the competitive space

Defense has been the crux of Blurgs AI. The most significant association for the company is with the Defense and Port Authorities. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, too, has taken notice of them. Significant projects on the horizon include work in inland waterways and penetrating the shipping market within the next year. Blurgs AI also provides solutions in multiple other areas – ports and dockyards, vessel operations, fishing and environment, offshore assets, and marine insurance.

Entry and expansion

Blurgs AI understands that maritime is a customer and relationship-driven industry. They believe in building trust and assuring clients of their credibility by maintaining transparency regarding their working model. Furthermore, partnerships with operational players and local companies will support international expansion and compliance with data privacy regulations.

Funding and path ahead

By March 2025, Blurgs AI had closed in the first round of funding. AWS Space Accelerator has been significant in this journey. Currently bootstrapped with project-based funding, the company conducts an ongoing funding round aimed at completion soon. Roshan Raj is optimistic about the future of Blurgs AI because of the dedication the team has shown. Predicting the growth, he talks about how maritime trade has evolved significantly, with a 6x growth in vessels and trade volumes over the last 25-30 years, and expected growth of 3-4x in the future. The anticipated total growth of 24-25x over the next 50 years highlights the need for an intelligence layer in the maritime sector. This layer is what Blurgs AI aims to permeate.