Kapil Bardeja: Pioneering Innovation in Security Tech at Vehant Technologies

In the dynamic landscape of security technology, Kapil Bardeja has emerged as a trailblazer, leading Vehant Technologies on a journey of innovation and impact. Incubated in IIT-Delhi in 2005, the roots of Vehant Technologies trace back to the 2001 Parliament attack, a pivotal moment that sparked the government’s initiative to bolster security measures. Bardeja, the CEO and Co-founder of Vehant Technologies, sheds light on the company’s evolution and its significant contributions to the realm of security tech.

Vehant Technologies found its inspiration in the aftermath of the 2001 Parliament attack when the Indian government sought ways to enhance security. The initial product that set Vehant on its trajectory was the under-vehicle scanning system. These systems, initially imported from the UK at a considerable cost of Rs 1 crore each, prompted the Ministry of Information Technology to approach IIT-Delhi. The mission was clear: make these security products in India, reducing dependence on costly imports.

Currently operating in three primary domains—security screening, safe and smart city analytics, and enterprise analytics—Vehant Technologies has positioned itself as a key player in the security technology sector. The company’s client portfolio includes prominent entities like the Airport Authority of India, Delhi Police, Indian Navy, Adani, and Indore High Court. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep tech solutions, Vehant has become a trusted partner in fortifying security measures.

Vehant’s commitment to excellence is evident in its recent achievement—a substantial order worth Rs 90 crore from the Airport Authority of India. The company has also left its mark on significant projects, including the installation of security equipment in the new parliament building in New Delhi and the deployment of security devices at the Telangana Secretariat. Collaborating with the Maharashtra government on specific projects, Vehant continues to expand its footprint.

With a dedicated workforce of 370 individuals, Vehant boasts an impressive R&D facility in Noida and two manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida and Himachal Pradesh. The company’s emphasis on product development and manufacturing is underscored by its revenue growth, reaching Rs 73 crore in FY23. Anticipating a YoY growth rate of 100% in FY24, Vehant’s trajectory reflects its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

While the under-vehicle scanning system marked Vehant’s entry into the security screening space, the company expanded its horizons around eight years ago by venturing into traffic management. Operating within 50 smart cities, Vehant addresses issues such as red light violations, speed violations, and unauthorized entry. The company’s foray into safe city analytics during the COVID-19 pandemic further showcases its adaptability and responsiveness to emerging challenges.

In the safe city analytics domain, Vehant leverages existing surveillance cameras to enhance real-time event detection. By incorporating AI models and analytics into the control center’s feed, the company can identify and assess various scenarios, from red light violations to instances of vandalism and crowd gatherings. The system’s ability to predict events represents a futuristic approach to security analytics.

Looking ahead, Vehant aims to achieve a revenue of Rs 10 crore in FY23 from the safe city analytics space. Currently, the company’s revenue distribution comprises 60% from security screening, 30% from traffic management in smart cities, and 10% from enterprise analytics. Bardeja envisions further expansion in the safe city analytics segment, tapping into its immense potential.