Suvonil Chatterjee is a recognized figure in the Indian technology and robotics landscape, known primarily for his influential roles in leading tech companies and startups. An alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Chatterjee has carved a reputation as a technology visionary and entrepreneur. Most recently, he co-founded Neomanav Robotics Private Limited, a startup focused on advanced robotics, alongside Slokarth Dash, a former colleague from Ola Electric. His journey includes pivotal leadership at Ola Electric, where he served as Chief Technology and Product Officer, being credited with significant product innovations. This article details ten important aspects of Suvonil Chatterjee’s career, expertise, and ventures, offering insight into his impact on India's deep-tech and robotics sectors.
Suvonil Chatterjee graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from BITS Pilani, one of India's premier technical institutes. Before entering the robotics sector, he gained extensive experience in design and technology leadership roles at major Indian tech companies including Flipkart and Housing.com. His foundation in electronics and user-centered design paved the way for his success in product innovation and technology strategy, blending technical expertise with a keen sense for consumer needs.
Joining the Ola Group in 2017 as Head of Design, Chatterjee quickly rose through the ranks to become the Chief Product Officer in 2021, and then Chief Technology and Product Officer in 2022 at Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. In these capacities, he oversaw the development of notable tech projects such as Ola Krutrim (an AI venture) and Ola Maps, which the company touted as significant disruptors in their respective fields. His tenure was marked by strong product vision and execution, positioning Ola Electric as a leader in electric vehicle technology in India.
In 2025, after resigning from Ola Electric, Suvonil Chatterjee co-founded Neomanav Robotics Private Limited with Slokarth Dash. Incorporated in Bangalore, Neomanav Robotics seeks to develop cutting-edge robotics technologies with a focus on industrial and deep-tech applications. The startup has attracted attention for its technological ambitions and potential to advance India’s standing in the robotics ecosystem.
Chatterjee’s move into robotics reflects a growing trend among Indian tech entrepreneurs to tackle challenging deep-tech problems. He emphasizes the importance of customer obsession, design thinking, and rapid iteration in developing complex robotics solutions. Neomanav Robotics reportedly developed a functional humanoid robotic prototype capable of walking and manipulating objects, incorporating AI-driven dexterity and multimodal sensing, which are essential for industrial automation.
Suvonil Chatterjee’s career trajectory mirrors a shift from large-scale consumer internet platforms to slower-gestation, technically demanding sectors like robotics and AI. This transition highlights his willingness to engage with more fundamental, long-term technological challenges beyond conventional app and platform ecosystems.
During his career, Chatterjee has been recognized for his contributions to technology and product design. He has been considered a key figure in Ola’s executive leadership, second only to CEO Bhavish Aggarwal at one point. His peers note his coder-designer hybrid skills and visionary product leadership. Coverage in leading Indian business and tech media attests to his influence in the burgeoning electric vehicle and robotics sectors.
Like many high-profile technology leaders, Suvonil Chatterjee’s leadership style has occasionally faced criticism. Reports from industry workers have described moments of high-pressure work environments during product launches at Ola Electric. As a key executive, Chatterjee was part of a leadership team facing significant operational challenges during Ola’s rapid expansion in the EV market.
Neomanav Robotics, under Chatterjee’s direction, has engaged in early-stage discussions with high-profile investors such as Blume Ventures and Qualcomm Ventures, aiming to raise $15-20 million in funding. This potential capital infusion reflects confidence in the company’s technology roadmap and market potential in industrial robotics applications.
By spearheading innovations at Neomanav Robotics and transitioning from consumer tech to robotics, Chatterjee is contributing to India’s deep-tech emergence. His work exemplifies efforts to integrate AI, machine learning, and advanced sensing into robotics, helping create solutions that could transform manufacturing and industrial processes in India and beyond.
Looking forward, Suvonil Chatterjee aims to expand Neomanav Robotics’ capabilities, pioneering humanoid robotics with substantial dexterity and sensory perception. His vision includes deploying these platforms for complex industrial tasks, potentially reshaping manufacturing and automation landscapes. His journey underscores the importance of leadership, innovation, and customer-centric product development in realizing advanced robotics solutions.
Suvonil Chatterjee’s trajectory—from a design and product leader at major Indian tech firms to a pioneering entrepreneur in robotics—illustrates the dynamic evolution of India's technology landscape. His efforts at Ola Electric and now Neomanav Robotics demonstrate a commitment to pushing technological boundaries, particularly in robotics and AI. As India's startup ecosystem increasingly embraces deep tech, leaders like Chatterjee provide valuable examples of innovation driven by a blend of technical mastery and visionary entrepreneurship. His continued work raises compelling questions about the future of robotics in India and its broader industrial impact.
