At a time when Indian manufacturing is moving decisively toward defence self-reliance, electric mobility, and smart automation, the role of indigenous machine builders has never been more critical. Behind every efficient assembly line, robotic cell, or special purpose machine lies deep process understanding—something that cannot be imported off the shelf.
Mikro Innotech India Private Limited stands as a compelling example of this shift. Founded in 2006 with a clear belief in Indian engineering capability, the company has grown into a trusted automation partner for leading OEMs across automotive, EV, healthcare, and electronics sectors. From complex EV battery and motor assembly lines to high-precision SPMs and robotic automation systems, Mikro Innotech has consistently translated manufacturing challenges into reliable, shopfloor-ready solutions.
At the helm is Rajesh Pawar, Managing Director, whose engineering-first approach has shaped the company’s DNA—focused on customization, import substitution, and long-term customer value rather than quick wins. As India accelerates its journey toward Make in India, defence indigenisation, and EV leadership, Mikro Innotech’s expansion in Pune and growing project portfolio signal a company ready for its next phase of growth.
Q1. Mr. Pawar, can you take us back to the origins of Mikro Innotech? What inspired you to start the company in 2006?
Rajesh Pawar: After leaving Empire Machine Tools securing knowledge about Lasers /Robotics & Special Machines for Various applications for automotive and pharma sector, I started agency business in 2006. India’s manufacturing sector was growing, but automation was largely import-driven. Many OEMs depended on overseas machine builders for even moderately complex assembly solutions. I saw a clear gap—Indian manufacturers needed custom-built, application-specific automation, designed with a deep understanding of local shopfloor conditions. Mikro Innotech was founded with a simple vision: build world-class automation in India, by Indian engineers, for Indian and global manufacturers.
Q2. How would you define Mikro Innotech’s core business today?
Rajesh Pawar: Our core lies in custom automation solutions. This includes special purpose machines (SPMs), robotic automation, and complete assembly lines. We design and deliver turnkey systems—from process consulting and concept design to manufacturing, installation, and commissioning. Over the years, we have developed strong expertise in automotive, EV manufacturing, healthcare, FMCG, and electrical & electronics sectors.
Q3. Automotive and EV manufacturing are major focus areas for you. What makes this segment critical?
Rajesh Pawar: Automotive has always been a backbone of Indian manufacturing, and now EVs are redefining it. EV manufacturing demands high precision, repeatability, safety, and traceability. We are actively involved in EV battery assembly lines, motor assembly lines, and vehicle sub-assembly automation. These are complex systems, and success depends on process knowledge as much as technology. Our role is to convert evolving EV requirements into reliable, scalable automation solutions.
Q4. Mikro Innotech is also associated with defence and high-reliability applications. How does automation add value here?
Rajesh Pawar: In defence and strategic manufacturing, consistency and documentation are critical. Automation minimizes human dependency while ensuring repeatable quality and process traceability. Our systems are designed to meet stringent reliability standards, which makes them suitable for defence-related manufacturing and other mission-critical applications. Automation here is not about speed alone—it’s about assurance and accountability.
Q5. Import substitution is often discussed in Indian manufacturing. How does Mikro Innotech contribute to this goal?
Rajesh Pawar: Import substitution is one of our strongest contributions. Many automation solutions that were earlier imported can now be designed and built locally with comparable or better performance. By doing this, we help OEMs reduce cost, lead time, and dependency on overseas suppliers. At the same time, we benchmark ourselves against global standards, so customers don’t feel they are compromising by choosing an Indian solution.
Q6. What differentiates Mikro Innotech from other automation providers?
Rajesh Pawar: Customization and engineering depth. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all machines. Every customer has unique process challenges, and our solutions are built around those realities. Our strength lies in in-house design, controls engineering, and manufacturing, which allows us to respond quickly and innovate continuously. Timely delivery and long-term support are equally important to us.
Q7. How did the company navigate challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Rajesh Pawar: COVID-19 was a test of resilience. Projects had to be delivered under severe constraints—limited manpower, supply chain disruptions, and tight timelines. We focused on engineering innovation and adaptability. Our teams redesigned workflows, optimized resources, and stayed close to customers. That period reinforced our belief that strong fundamentals and committed people are the biggest strengths of any organization.
Q8. Mikro Innotech has recently acquired land in Pune for expansion. What does this signify?
Rajesh Pawar: This expansion is a strategic step. Demand for automation—especially from EV and advanced manufacturing sectors—is growing rapidly. The new facility in Pune will increase our manufacturing capacity and allow us to handle larger, more complex multi-line automation projects. It reflects our long-term confidence in India’s manufacturing growth and our commitment to the Make in India vision.
Q9. How do you see collaboration and global partnerships shaping your growth?
Rajesh Pawar: Collaboration is essential. While we focus on local engineering and manufacturing, we also work with international technology partners where required. These collaborations help us stay aligned with global trends while delivering solutions that are practical for Indian conditions. Today, we are not just suppliers—we are solution partners for our customers.
Q10. What is your outlook for Indian manufacturing and automation in the coming years?
Rajesh Pawar: Indian manufacturing is at an inflection point. Defence, automotive, EVs, and automation will drive the next phase of growth. Companies that invest in process knowledge, quality, and automation will lead this transformation. At Mikro Innotech, our focus is clear—to build high-performance systems that help Indian manufacturers compete globally.
Q11. Finally, what philosophy drives you as a leader?
Rajesh Pawar: I strongly believe in Indian engineering talent. With the right environment and ownership, our engineers can solve the most complex industrial problems. Mikro Innotech’s journey is built on that belief—engineering-first thinking, customer trust, and long-term vision. If we stay true to these principles, growth will naturally follow.
Q12. Laser-based manufacturing is seeing rapid adoption across industries. How do you view the growth of the laser industry in India, and what is Mikro Innotech’s strategy as a laser system integrator?
Rajesh Pawar:
Laser technology is becoming a backbone of modern manufacturing. Whether it is laser welding, cutting, marking, or surface treatment (Hardening), lasers offer unmatched precision, repeatability, and process control. In India, we are seeing strong growth in laser adoption driven by EV manufacturing, automotive, electronics, medical devices, and defence applications. As product designs become more complex and quality expectations rise, conventional processes are increasingly being replaced or complemented by laser-based solutions.
At Mikro Innotech, we see ourselves not just as a machine builder, but as a laser system integrator. Our focus is on integrating high-power laser sources with robotics, precision motion systems, vision inspection, weld monitoring, and safety enclosures to deliver complete, production-ready laser solutions. We work closely with leading global laser source manufacturers while designing the overall system architecture, process logic, and automation in-house.
Our goal is to make laser technology practical and scalable for Indian industry—customized to the application, compliant with safety standards, and supported locally. As laser processes expand across automotive, EVs, defence, healthcare, and electronics, Mikro Innotech aims to be a trusted partner enabling this transition through robust, indigenously engineered laser automation systems.
