Scaler Innovation Lab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Gahan AI to explore and develop cutting-edge autonomous navigation systems jointly. This partnership brings together Scaler’s ecosystem of engineering talent and Gahan AI’s deep expertise in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence to tackle one of the most complex challenges in mobility—building autonomous vehicles in India that can safely navigate unmapped, unstructured roads not only in India but also the global mining sites without prior map data, even under adverse weather conditions.
This initiative will serve as a live innovation challenge for Scaler’s student community at Scaler School of Technology and Scaler School of Business. Selected students will work directly with Gahan AI’s team under expert mentorship, contributing to R&D and building real-world solutions from the ground up. The goal is to create AI models and systems replicating human-level decision-making in unpredictable driving environments, which is crucial in hazardous environments, disaster response, and future-ready mobility.
The mining industry faces a global safety crisis driven by outdated mobility systems and a lack of real-time navigation, particularly in unstructured and off-road environments. In India, according to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), haulage and transportation account for nearly 40% of mining fatalities, often caused by collisions, poor visibility, and the absence of reliable navigation aids. Globally, the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) reports that over 70% of fatal surface mining accidents are linked to vehicle interactions, especially in poorly mapped or off-road conditions. Gahan AI is uniquely positioned to address this challenge through its deep-tech capabilities and strategic partnership with Scaler Innovation Lab, bringing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to some of the world’s most dangerous and demanding mining environments. By enabling vehicles to operate safely without prior map data—even in fog, dust, or extreme weather—Gahan’s technology has the potential to redefine safety standards and operational efficiency in mining, both in India and worldwide.
“This collaboration is a testament to our belief that real-world impact is the best classroom,” said Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-founder of Scaler. “We’re excited to offer our students the opportunity to solve hard problems that matter, while empowering a homegrown startup like Gahan AI to fast-track innovation.”
“At Gahan AI, we’re committed to solving some of the most complex challenges in autonomous mobility — especially for real-world, unstructured environments like those at mining sites across the globe. Partnering with Scaler allows us to collaborate with some of the brightest young minds in engineering and business. We’re excited to work with students who are not just learning theory, but actively building, testing, and innovating alongside us. Together, we hope to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven transportation.” – Uddalok Majumder, Co-Founder of Gahan AI.
As part of the collaboration, Gahan AI will host workshops and hackathons exclusively for Scaler School of Technology students, offering them the chance to solve real-world challenges in autonomous mobility. Students will also be offered internship opportunities at Gahan AI, working directly on cutting-edge projects. Additionally, Gahan AI’s founders will extend mentorship to student-led startups and innovation projects, giving students access to industry expertise and guidance as they build and scale their ideas.
For students at Scaler School of Business, this partnership is an opportunity to work directly on commercialising deep-tech innovation. Under the mentorship of Gahan AI’s leadership, SSB students will design go-to-market (GTM) strategies, pricing models, and operational frameworks to help Gahan AI navigate product-market fit and scale in India’s mining and logistics sectors. As part of the collaboration, Gahan’s leadership will share live business challenges with SSB students, inviting fresh insights on commercial execution. They will also offer high-performing students roles in the Founder’s Office, where they’ll help execute business strategy in real time.
Gahan AI will operate out of the Scaler Innovation Lab, mentoring other early-stage startups in the cohort and participating in regular project showcases and workshops. This model of collaborative problem-solving and mentorship reflects Scaler School of Technology’s broader mission—not just to teach but to build the future of technology in India. It also reflects the Scaler School of Business’s commitment to learning by doing, giving students hands-on experience with real-world, company-sourced projects in emerging industries like autonomous mobility.
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