Anirudh Dube
Founder & CEO | Ci4 & Paltro
PGDMBE 2004-2005
EDII President’s Alumnus Award 2025 – Business Entrepreneur
Anirudh Dube is a visionary tech entrepreneur, widely recognized for pioneering autonomous hardware–software systems that integrate engineering physics, AI-enabled sensing and mission-critical defense applications.
After the Government of India opened up the defense market for private companies, Anirudh set up Ci4 (CIPHOR), Autonomous Defense Technologies, which is defining a new age of connected, intelligent & aware defense and space systems. Anirudh also led development of autonomous hardware–software platforms for national security, surveillance and mission-critical applications. He built multidisciplinary engineering and research teams across autonomy, sensing, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and aerospace hardware. He established long-term partnerships within defense agencies, integrators and technology collaborators.
Anirudh later founded Paltro, Intelligent Robotics, to build configurable, modular robotic test systems for materials research, imaging, tribology and mechanical testing. He successfully established his base in the U.S. as well, with laboratory installations across research institutions and industry, along with integrated advanced automation, sensing & data systems to transform traditional testing workflows.
Anirudh started his business with an initial investment of Rs. 6 Crore, and hearteningly today, leads an enterprise generating a turnover of Rs. 110 Crore and employing over 100 professionals. He also serves as a Board Advisor at Ducom Aerospace, providing strategic direction for aerospace and space-mission technologies.
Also, Ci4 has secured five iDEX awards and has been recognized as Best Defence Startup 2024, Best Startup – Defennovation 2023, in addition to being honoured with the ISpA Space Excellence Award 2023.