Recognising a visionary entrepreneur who is strengthening India's position in AI, defence technology, and advanced industrial manufacturing through innovation-driven leadership.

Business Mint Nationwide Awards 2026 proudly recognises Chiru Harsh Patnam with the prestigious title of "30 Under 30 AI & Defence Technology Innovator – 2026" for his exceptional contributions to artificial intelligence, defence technology, renewable energy, and next-generation industrial infrastructure.

As the Founder of LuminKraft, a strategic U.S.-India joint venture, Chiru represents a new generation of Indian technology entrepreneurs building the foundational infrastructure that powers intelligent industries. His work spans artificial intelligence, defence systems, renewable energy, battery storage, robotics, industrial automation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, with a long-term vision of positioning India as a global technology and manufacturing powerhouse.

At the centre of this vision is LuminKraft, established to develop world-class wire harness engineering and manufacturing capabilities for global markets. While often operating behind the scenes, wire harness systems form the electrical backbone of electric vehicles, AI-enabled defence platforms, robotics, aircraft, battery energy storage systems, smart factories, and data centres. By combining American engineering expertise with India's manufacturing capabilities, LuminKraft delivers precision-engineered electrical architecture, cable assemblies, rapid prototyping, automated production, rigorous quality testing, and digital traceability to support mission-critical industries.

Chiru's entrepreneurial journey began in the renewable energy sector, where he contributed to projects exceeding 300 MW across Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. These experiences provided deep insights into large-scale infrastructure development, grid integration, and sustainable energy systems while reinforcing the importance of reliable electrical engineering in powering modern economies.

His leadership role at ParadomeAI further strengthened his expertise in defence technology, where he worked on AI-powered surveillance, border security solutions, intelligent command-and-control systems, and advanced situational awareness platforms. Working within mission-critical defence environments enabled him to develop a strong understanding of system reliability, security, and intelligent infrastructure.

Drawing from these diverse experiences, Chiru recognised a common principle underlying every advanced technology ecosystem: every intelligent system must be efficiently powered, seamlessly connected, and intelligently operated. This insight inspired the creation of LuminKraft as a company focused on building the critical electrical infrastructure that enables future technologies across multiple industries.

Today, LuminKraft serves sectors including electric mobility, renewable energy, battery energy storage systems, aerospace, defence electronics, marine, railways, industrial automation, heavy engineering, robotics, and AI-driven data centres. Through engineering excellence, manufacturing precision, and adherence to global quality standards, the company aims to become a trusted technology partner for OEMs and system integrators worldwide.

Receiving the "30 Under 30 AI & Defence Technology Innovator – 2026" honour from the Business Mint Nationwide Awards recognises Chiru Harsh Patnam's commitment to advancing India's technological capabilities and building globally competitive industrial solutions. His work reflects the growing influence of young Indian innovators who are creating technologies that strengthen national capabilities while contributing to the future of intelligent manufacturing and defence infrastructure.

With a vision that extends beyond products to building the very backbone of next-generation industries, Chiru continues to position LuminKraft as a globally relevant enterprise, supporting India's journey toward becoming a leader in AI-driven industrialisation and advanced technology manufacturing.