Deepinder Goyal, cofounder of Zomato and investor in LAT Aerospace, has issued a rare and impactful call for engineers to join a new propulsion research team in Bengaluru. The initiative aims to design and build Made‑in‑India gas turbine engines from scratch—a strategic shift toward self-reliance in aerospace tech.
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Research Led by Engineers, Not Managers
Goyal clarified that the newly established research facility will empower engineers to think, experiment, and iterate without bureaucratic layers—prioritizing bench-level development over boardroom meetings. The team is expected to run labs for combustion, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and materials science, with leadership exclusively composed of technical experts.
Why This Matters
- Engineering Independence: LAT Aerospace is pivoting from building just aircraft to creating its own engine stack—an unprecedented move for an Indian startup.
- Bridging Gaps in Capability: Historically, India has struggled to commercialize gas turbine development. LAT aims to cross that threshold.
- Skilling a Generation: It’s a rare call for engineers with expertise in turbines, rotors, and control systems to join a deep tech mission, offering ESOPs and lab-based innovation.
Broader Context: LAT’s Vision and Strategy
- Mission: LAT Aerospace, founded by Goyal and former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, aims to create low-cost, high-frequency STOL (Short Takeoff & Landing) aircraft for underserved Tier-II/III airports. Their goal: converting Airbnb-sized airstrips into “air-stops” closer to consumers.
- Funding & Team Expansion: Backed by Goyal’s $20M investment (part of a $50M seed round), LAT is scaling its team across aerodynamics, hybrid propulsion, composite materials, and systems design.
- Market Potential: India has over 450 airstrips, but only ~150 in commercial use. LAT aims to unlock regional connectivity by democratizing air travel infrastructure.
Final Word
Deepinder Goyal’s appeal to engineers marks a critical moment in India’s aerospace startup narrative. Rather than buying jets or licensing engines, LAT Aerospace is opting to build core propulsion tech from the ground up, in India. If successful, it could be a watershed moment for aviation sovereignty—positioning LAT at the intersection of skill, scale, and national pride.
Would you like:
- A talent acquisition summary for engineers interested in aerospace R&D?
- A timeline chart for LAT’s propulsion milestones?
- Or a sector comparison with HAL, Tata’s aerospace ventures, and global STOL disruptors?
