Meet the IIT Bombay engineer who turned down ISRO to build Rs 1,000 crore Atomberg

Manoj Meena, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, has become a notable figure in India’s entrepreneurial landscape after turning down a promising opportunity with ISRO to launch his own venture, Atomberg Technologies. The company, which has now achieved a turnover of over Rs 1,000 crore in fiscal year 2025, began as a modest project rooted in engineering innovation and a desire to address real-world challenges. After graduating from IIT Bombay, Meena was offered a position with ISRO, a prestigious opportunity that many students dream of. However, he opted instead for entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for solving tangible problems through technology. This decision was not easy, especially given the expectations of his family in rural Rajasthan, where a secure government job is often viewed as the safest path forward. Despite initial doubts, Meena pursued his vision, believing that engineering should serve practical purposes beyond academic achievement. His early career at IIT Bombay exposed him to a wide range of technological projects, including robotics and electronics. These experiences shaped his perspective, leading him to conclude that entrepreneurship could offer greater flexibility to tackle pressing issues. With this conviction, he embarked on a journey that would span nearly a decade, during which he explored multiple ideas before settling on a concept that would define his career. In 2012, Meena founded Atomberg Technologies, initially incubating the venture at SINE, IIT Bombay. The early days were marked by experimentation and perseverance. The founding team, which included fellow IIT Bombay alumnus Sibabrata Das, focused on developing solutions for data acquisition systems, motor control, and process control. They undertook various projects, some of which were abandoned due to lack of scalability or relevance. During these formative years, they handled all aspects of operations, from building prototypes to engaging directly with clients, often working long hours with limited resources. It wasn’t until 2015 that the company found its niche. While working on motor technologies, the founders examined the ceiling fan market, identifying a critical inefficiency: high energy consumption. Conventional fans typically consumed between 75 to 80 watts, while Atomberg engineers developed a brushless DC motor capable of delivering comparable performance at just 28 watts. This innovation allowed their fans to use up to 65% less power than traditional models, making them both environmentally friendly and cost-effective for users. With this breakthrough, Atomberg launched its first product under the Gorilla brand in 2015. Initially targeting institutional buyers, the company gradually shifted focus toward the mass consumer market. This transition proved challenging, as it faced competition from well-established brands such as Bajaj, Crompton, Havells, and Usha. Additionally, entering the online retail space posed another hurdle, as many Indian consumers still preferred purchasing household appliances through physical stores. Despite these obstacles, the startup continued to grow. By FY19, Atomberg had achieved an operating revenue of 37 crore and was producing approximately 1,000 fans daily. The business was expanding, but so were its financial demands. The pressure intensified in 2019, when the company faced a critical juncture. According to reports, Atomberg had only about a month of cash reserves left, with delays in salary payments and mounting vendor demands threatening its stability. This period tested the resilience of the founders, who remained committed to their vision even amid uncertainty.