1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background?

🔹 Ankit Wagh – From Lifesaver to Nation-Builder

Ankit Wagh’s journey began in the water — as an international swimmer and certified lifesaver. But his mission quickly evolved from saving lives to empowering an entire nation’s safety infrastructure. With global experience in rescue operations and a deep understanding of India’s unique challenges, Ankit founded ITUS to bring world-class innovation to India’s defense, disaster response, and maritime sectors.

🔹 Amit Ambedkar – A Leader with Depth and Drive

With over two decades of experience in international business tie-ups and government projects, Amit Ambedkar brings strategic depth and operational excellence to ITUS. As a seasoned business head, he has been instrumental in expanding the organization into new sectors by navigating complex partnerships and unlocking new markets. A national-level basketball player, Amit thrives in high-pressure environments and values teamwork, agility, and resilience — qualities that reflect in his leadership style. His unique blend of strategic acumen and field-level enthusiasm continues to drive ITUS’s growth and impact.

2. What inspired you to start this venture? Was there a specific moment that sparked the idea?

🔹 The Spark That Ignited ITUS
The idea for ITUS was born during a rescue mission where delays due to inadequate equipment cost precious time. That moment revealed a glaring gap: India needed indigenous, integrated solutions for emergencies. Ankit envisioned a company that could build these solutions locally — and export them globally.

3. What challenges or gaps in the market did you notice that led to the creation of your startup?

India lacked integrated systems for disaster response, defense logistics, and maritime safety. Equipment was often imported, training was fragmented, and there was no unified platform for certification. Ankit saw the need for indigenous innovation — solutions built for Indian terrain, climate, and operational realities. ITUS was born to bridge these gaps with locally built, globally competitive products and services.

Overall, India’s emergency response systems were fragmented. Equipment was imported, training was inconsistent, and technology was outdated.

4. Can you describe the products/services your startup offers? How do they stand out in the market?

🔹 Solving Real Problems with Real Innovation
At ITUS, innovation isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a response to real, urgent challenges faced by India’s defense, disaster response, and maritime sectors.

• Amphibious Boats powered by Sealegs solve land-to-water mobility challenges during floods and coastal emergencies — drastically reducing response time and saving lives.
• Pin Point Earth VMS provides real-time vessel tracking and geo-fencing in the fisheries and marine enforcement sector, helping curb illegal fishing.
• Custom SHM Boats, built in India for defense logistics, are tailored to mission-specific needs and rugged conditions, reducing import dependency.
• ITUS U-Safe Water Drone features a 100 kg payload, self-righting design, and fast deployment for flood-prone areas, aiding in the rescue of stranded individuals.
• Aerial Drones, deployed with Andhra Pradesh SDRF, enable disaster assessments, victim location, and fast action in inaccessible areas.
• Rescue & Safety Products — standardized, field-tested gear designed for Indian terrain, ensuring first responders are ready and equipped.
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• Skyllsync — a cloud-based platform that digitizes emergency training, tracks certifications, and brings structure and scale to skill development.

What sets ITUS apart is its ecosystem approach — integrating hardware, software, and training into a unified national solution.

The Indian Rescue Academy (IRA), ITUS’s training arm led by ex-defense personnel, has trained over 70,000 personnel across 20 lakh+ hours. IRA delivers world-class training informed by real-world experience.

5. What were some of the major challenges you faced while building your startup, and how did you overcome them?

🔹 Challenges That Forged Resilience
Building trust with government agencies and scaling across India wasn’t easy. ITUS had to prove its value — not just in boardrooms, but in the field. Demonstrations, partnerships, and consistent delivery helped overcome skepticism and establish ITUS as a trusted national asset.

6. What was the biggest turning point or milestone that marked a breakthrough for your company?

🔹 Breakthrough Moments

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, ITUS’s amphibious boats kept Kolkata Port operational, showcasing their strategic value.
• The Indian Rescue Academy, Asia’s largest disaster rescue training institution, trained over 70,000 personnel with 20+ lakh training hours.
• In response to devastating floods, ITUS launched a high-tech water drone capable of carrying 100 kg in rough waters.
• ITUS also developed aerial drones for disaster assessment, surveillance, and rapid response — expanding its suite of rescue tools.

7. What are your future plans for the startup? Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?

🔹 The Road Ahead
In the next five years, ITUS aims to:

• Expand exports of Indian-built safety solutions
• Scale Skyllsync across government and private sectors
• Deepen its footprint in defense, infrastructure, and disaster management

“Make in India, Serve the World” isn’t just a slogan — it’s the mission.

🔗 Connect with Ankit Wagh and Follow His Journey

• Instagram: @wagh.ankit

• Instagram: @indian_rescue_academy