Trivandrum: Ananth Technologies Ltd (ATL), a long-standing partner to India’s space and defence programmes, has inaugurated its Centre of Excellence for Navigation (ACEN) in Thiruvananthapuram. The new facility was formally opened by Dr V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO, in the presence of ISRO centre directors and senior executives from ISRO and the defence sector.
Addressing the media earlier, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, Chairman & Managing Director of ATL, highlighted the company’s rapid growth with the establishment of centres in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram. He noted that the Thiruvananthapuram centre has been instrumental in supporting ISRO by developing avionics packages for all its launch vehicles. ATL has also built deep expertise in precision navigation systems for space and defence applications and is now advancing technologies in these critical domains to strengthen the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
The newly launched ACEN facility, located within ATL’s complex at Kinfra Park, Menamkulam, is the first such dedicated navigation technology centre established by a private-sector entity in India. This state-of-the-art centre is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting India’s future requirements for advanced navigation and inertial systems.
Founded in 1992, Ananth Technologies has contributed to every major satellite and launch vehicle mission of India, earning its reputation as a trusted partner to ISRO, DRDO, and allied agencies. With strengths in precision sensors, airworthiness protocols, and complex system integration, the company has consistently delivered mission-critical solutions across the space and defence ecosystem.
The establishment of ACEN marks a significant milestone in securing India’s strategic autonomy in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies. The inauguration, attended by senior leaders from space, defence, and academia, underscored the national importance of developing indigenous capabilities in an era increasingly defined by contested domains and autonomous warfare.
Envisioned as a hub for next-generation navigation innovation, ACEN will focus on developing resilient, high-precision systems essential for defence, aerospace, and civilian platforms. Through this initiative, ATL reaffirms its commitment to building a future-ready ecosystem that enhances India’s technological sovereignty and supports the nation’s Vision 2035—positioning India as a global leader in navigation and inertial technologies.