The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Gudlyf Mobility Private Limited of Madurai to provide financial assistance for the development and commercialisation of indigenous high-pressure hydrogen storage systems based on advanced composite technologies. The support targets next-generation 700 bar working pressure Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) and related manufacturing processes developed by the deep-tech startup. The company has developed proprietary intellectual property in Type IV and Type V composite cylinder technologies that address challenges in lightweight high-pressure hydrogen storage.

The project supported by TDB aims to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in Madurai for high-performance composite pressure vessels and associated testing infrastructure. The technology is intended to cater to mobility and stationary hydrogen storage, unmanned aerial vehicles, compressed natural gas and compressed biogas storage solutions, and defence and aerospace applications. The initiative is designed to reduce import dependence in high-pressure storage systems and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities in advanced composites.

The Secretary of TDB said that hydrogen is central to India's long-term clean energy and decarbonisation strategy and that supporting indigenous high-pressure storage technologies is critical to building a resilient hydrogen value chain within the country. TDB described its assistance to Gudlyf Mobility as a reflection of continued commitment to enabling commercialisation of strategic deep-tech innovations that bolster energy security and advanced manufacturing. Founders of Gudlyf Mobility welcomed the support and indicated that the partnership validates their indigenous composite pressure vessel technology and will enable scaling of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Madurai to contribute to the clean energy transition and strategic sectors.

The focus on COPVs at 700 bar working pressure is positioned as a critical enabler for the emerging hydrogen economy and for reducing reliance on imports of specialised high-pressure storage hardware. The project is expected to support development of testing protocols, quality assurance and workforce skills necessary for scale. TDB assistance is presented as part of a broader effort to nurture strategic deep-tech enterprises and to strengthen domestic value chains in advanced composites and hydrogen systems.