Olee.Space, a prominent player in photonics and defense technology, has named Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava—former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)—as its Strategic Production Advisor. With over 40 years of experience in India’s defense electronics sector, Mr. Gowtama brings deep expertise in strategic leadership, innovation-driven growth, and large-scale defense manufacturing. His role will support Olee.Space’s mission to advance indigenous capabilities in defense aerospace and communication systems.
In his advisory role, Mr. Gowtama will lead Olee.Space through developing cutting-edge defence electronic systems encompassing various technologies including LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and Secure Communication Networks as per India’s vision for long-term technological self-reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat. His technical expertise will play a crucial role in speeding up the Olee.Space’s timeline towards deploying high-performing systems and growing international defense partnerships.
Commenting on the appointment, James Solomon, Founder & CEO, Olee.Space, said, “Mr. Gowtama’s appointment represents a turning point for Olee.Space as we move forward to align our innovations with India’s strategic vision for defense and civilian use cases. His unmatched deep experience in heading indigenous defense programmes will lead us to speed up technology development and drive operational excellence across our programs.”
An experienced technocrat, Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava was the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited. During his tenure, BEL solidified its position as India’s premier defense electronics company, breaking new ground in radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. He promoted R&D partnerships, defense electronics innovation, and convergence of emerging technologies across spheres.
Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), added, “Passion and commitment are driving the Olee.Space team to new frontiers. I am excited to join a team that is transforming how India develops and deploys cutting-edge defense technologies, and I look forward to supporting their mission of technological superiority and self-reliance.”
This appointment reaffirms Olee.Space’s ongoing commitment to harnessing profound operational expertise with technological innovation to enhance its leadership in India’s strategic technology ecosystem.
Earlier this year, Olee.Space raised $3 million in seed funding from leading global and domestic investors, including BIG Global, IIM A Ventures, Rockstud Capital, and SIDBI, enabling it to accelerate innovation in strategic photonics and defense communications. The appointment of Venkateswara Gowtama Mannava, as Strategic Production Advisor reinforces the company’s commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with operational expertise.
