Slokarth Dash is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and technology executive, known primarily for his role as co-founder and director of Neomanav Robotics Private Limited, a Bangalore-based startup focused on advanced robotic solutions. With a background in corporate governance and strategic roles within major technology firms such as Ola Electric, Dash has established himself as a key figure in the emerging robotics and electric vehicle sectors in India. His journey from working at Ola to founding a cutting-edge robotics company paints a compelling picture of innovation, leadership, and the quest to push technological boundaries. This article explores ten key aspects of Slokarth Dash's career, achievements, and his venture into robotics with Neomanav Robotics, showcasing why he is an influential figure in India's technology ecosystem.
Slokarth Dash brings over four years of experience in corporate governance and strategic roles in the technology industry. He has held positions in various companies, including notable stints at Ola Electric and Ola Electric Charging Private Limited, where he contributed to fleet management and operational strategy. His expertise encompasses general business and technology, combining strategic planning with hands-on execution. This solid foundation enabled him to transition smoothly from corporate roles into entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging his industry insights to innovate in robotics.
Dash joined Ola Cabs in 2015 initially in managerial roles before quickly ascending to lead the fleet management division within three years. His leadership was instrumental during the critical phases of expansion and innovation at Ola Electric. As the head of strategy and planning at Ola Electric from 2020 until his departure in 2023, Dash helped shape strategic roadmaps that guided the company's operations amid India's evolving electric vehicle landscape. His tenure included close collaboration with founder Bhavish Aggarwal, marking him as a vital component of Ola's leadership team.
In 2023, just ahead of Ola Electric's planned initial public offering (IPO), Slokarth Dash left the company. His departure was part of a wave of top-level exits that fueled speculation about leadership changes. Despite the transitions, the company publicly acknowledged his valuable contributions over seven-plus years and wished him well in future endeavors. Dash's exit was seen as a strategic move to explore new opportunities and apply his expertise to emerging technology sectors beyond electric mobility.
Shortly after leaving Ola Electric, Slokarth Dash co-founded Neomanav Robotics Private Limited with Suvonil Chatterjee, another former Ola executive. Incorporated in July 2025 and based in Bangalore, the company focuses on developing full-stack robotic solutions with advanced sensing capabilities. Neomanav Robotics aims to revolutionize industrial automation by building intelligent robotic hands capable of tactile sensing, force feedback, and vision-based task execution, pushing the boundaries of robotics technology in India.
Neomanav Robotics Private Limited is a private company registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, with an authorized capital exceeding ₹2 crores. The startup specializes in information technology and computer services related to robotics. Based out of the Embassy Golf Link Business Park in Bangalore, it mirrors its founders' ambition to blend cutting-edge AI research with industrial usage. The company's mission centers on empowering industries with robots that learn through physical interaction, enhancing precision and reliability in complex tasks.
The flagship development at Neomanav Robotics under Dash's leadership is a robotic hand designed to 'feel' its environment through advanced sensors for touch, force, and position awareness. This technology allows robots to handle delicate and precise operations by mimicking human tactile feedback, critical for manufacturing and automotive industries. The robotic hand leverages physical AI, enabling learning from actual contact interactions rather than solely relying on visual data, which is a significant advancement in robotics manipulation.
Neomanav Robotics is actively engaged in raising significant funding, reportedly targeting $15-$20 million from investors including Blume Ventures and Qualcomm Ventures. This funding is planned to accelerate research, product development, and market expansion. The founders' deep industry experience and the startup’s technological potential have attracted prominent attention in the Indian robotics investment space. The funding would support scaling operations and delivering value to industrial clients.
A unique aspect of Neomanav Robotics’ approach includes the use of 'contact gloves' worn by factory workers to collect real-world data. These gloves track human hand movements and the forces applied during tasks, training the robotic systems for improved dexterity. This method bridges human expertise with machine learning, enabling robots to replicate complex manual tasks with higher efficiency and safety. The gloves also exemplify the innovative data acquisition strategies being pioneered by the startup.
Slokarth Dash’s venture with Neomanav Robotics signifies an important contribution to the burgeoning Indian robotics ecosystem, especially in industrial applications. The focus on physical AI and tactile robotics positions the company at the forefront of automation technologies that can boost productivity, reduce labor intensity, and foster innovation within manufacturing sectors. Their work aligns with broader national ambitions to enhance technological self-reliance and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Dash holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian School of Business, applying this academic training to strategic leadership in technology firms. His professional network includes key industry figures, and he is active within Bangalore’s vibrant startup and technology community. Known for his leadership, strategic thinking, and engineering acumen, Slokarth Dash embodies the new generation of Indian technology entrepreneurs driving innovation in deep tech and robotics.
Slokarth Dash’s journey from Ola Electric to co-founding Neomanav Robotics highlights a dynamic career dedicated to advancing India's technology landscape. His expertise in strategic planning and technology has been critical in steering high-growth companies and now pioneering robotics innovation through tactile and AI-driven solutions. As Neomanav Robotics advances in developing robots with human-like sensing capabilities, Dash stands as a visionary leader influencing not just a company but the broader industrial future in India. Observing his continued impact prompts a broader question: how will the next wave of robotics startups transform traditional industries in India and beyond?
