When three young engineers decide to revolutionize urban mobility
In an era where the technology world is dominated by established giants, a story emerges that reminds us how powerful the combination of vision, sacrifice, and youthful determination can be. This is the story of Sarla Aviation, a startup founded in Bengaluru in January 2024 by three young engineers who chose to walk away from promising careers at the world’s most prestigious eVTOL companies to chase a dream: making electric flight accessible to millions of Indians.
A Leap into the Unknown: Three Paths, One Vision
Adrian Schmidt, a German citizen, Rakesh Gaonkar, an Indian engineer, and Shivam Chauhan, a battery systems expert, met through the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft industry. Schmidt and Gaonkar had honed their skills at Lilium in Germany, while Chauhan gained extensive experience at Joby Aviation in the United States.
Adrian’s Sacrifice: "Diving into Cold Waters"
On July 3, 2023, Adrian Schmidt took what he describes as a "leap of faith." After working for automotive giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Nio, Schmidt made a decision many would have considered reckless: he abandoned his Master's degree in New York and moved to India a country he had never visited before.
"I love diving into cold waters and doing something that many would consider crazy. When you step completely out of your comfort zone, you can almost only win." Adrian Schmidt, CEO
Rakesh’s Conviction and Shivam’s Return
Rakesh Gaonkar left the security of Germany to return to India, bringing with him a wealth of experience in managing production teams for brands like BMW and Audi. Similarly, Shivam Chauhan chose to return from the U.S. to merge his expertise in energy systems with his partners' vision. His contribution was fundamental in defining the architecture of Shunya, Sarla’s first prototype.
The Meaning of a Name: The Legacy of Sarla Thukral
The founders chose the name "Sarla" as a tribute to Sarla Thukral, the first Indian woman to earn a pilot's license in 1936, at just 21 years old. In an era when aviation was an exclusively male domain, Sarla Thukral broke barriers with immense courage. As the founders state: "Just as she ventured into uncharted skies, we aspire to blaze new trails in Indian urban mobility."
Why India? A Strategic Vision
The decision to focus on India was not accidental, but driven by a critical need and an unprecedented demographic opportunity:
- Economic Growth: India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.
- Mobility Emergency: Cities like Bengaluru and Delhi are among the most congested in the world.
- Demographics: With over 65% of the population under the age of 35, the country is uniquely ready to adopt disruptive technologies.
Shunya: A Technological Synthesis
On January 17, 2025, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, Sarla Aviation unveiled Shunya (meaning "zero" in Hindi), its first electric flying taxi prototype. The aircraft stands out with performance metrics that challenge global industry leaders:
- Payload Capacity: 680 kg, the highest currently in the eVTOL market.
- Configuration: Designed to accommodate 6 passengers plus the pilot.
- Speed and Range: It can reach 280 km/h with a 160 km range, optimized for intra-city travel.
- Energy Efficiency: Rapid charging in just 15 minutes between flights, powered by seven electric motors and four isolated battery packs.
Beyond the numbers, Shunya focuses on user-centered design: an ergonomic cabin, spacious luggage compartment, and an active noise management system to ensure a peaceful and energizing travel experience.
The Strategy: Accessibility First
What sets Sarla Aviation apart from its competitors is an obsessive focus on affordability. While others target extreme performance for niche markets, Sarla has made different strategic choices: simplifying technology to reduce maintenance, utilizing existing components, and building a supply chain that aims for 80% local Indian suppliers.
The goal is revolutionary: starting with prices similar to Uber’s premium tier and eventually making electric flight as affordable as an auto-rickshaw ride, effectively democratizing the skies.
The Roadmap to 2028
The company is moving forward with an ambitious timeline. Following testing and validation scheduled for 2025, 2028 will mark the commercial launch with two parallel services:
- Airport Transfers: For example, the route between Bengaluru Airport and Electronics City will take just 19 minutes, compared to the current 2.5 hours by car.
- Free Air Ambulance: A concrete social commitment that will provide rapid responses for medical emergencies, bypassing urban traffic delays.
Conclusion: The Pleasure of Seeing the Future Take Flight
The story of Sarla Aviation is a powerful testament to what is possible when talent, vision, and determination unite. The founders' approach aprioritizing affordability and social impact demonstrates a strategic maturity that goes far beyond their years.
Watching young engineers navigate complex aviation regulations, manage millions in funding from investors like Accel, and build international teams is a sign of hope. Their story reminds us that the most significant innovation comes from those who dare to leave their comfort zone to build something greater. The sky over India is about to change forever, propelled by the wings of Shunya and the courage of those who dared to dream.
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