Kamal Ghorui
PUNE: A Kashmir-based deep-tech start-up is looking to bring futuristic, wire-free power solutions to Pune, positioning the city as a potential early adopter of its laser-based energy transmission technology. Prime Movr, which has developed a system to convert laser beams into usable electrical power, is planning pilot deployments in the city in the coming months, targeting industrial clusters, surveillance networks and IoT-driven infrastructure.As global technology players race to crack long-distance wireless power transmission, Prime Movr is carving out a niche by focusing on practical, near-term applications rather than large-scale infrastructure. The company’s laser power beaming system enables focused energy transfer over distance, eliminating the need for physical wiring in specific use cases.“This technology holds promise for applications such as powering remote sensors and outdoor surveillance cameras, where wired connectivity or frequent battery replacement is not feasible,” said co-founder Parvez Rishi.Industry observers say Pune’s strong ecosystem of manufacturing, engineering talent and ongoing smart city initiatives makes it a suitable testbed for such emerging technologies. Early deployments could include factory monitoring systems, perimeter surveillance setups and connected infrastructure in large campuses.Globally, laser-based wireless power transmission has seen renewed interest. Companies such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NTT have demonstrated kilometre-scale energy transfer, while US-based Star Catcher Industries is working on space-based power networks. The US defence agency DARPA is also investing in similar programmes.Unlike these large-scale efforts, Prime Movr is focusing on smaller, deployable solutions. Its systems are aimed at low-power devices operating in hard-to-reach environments, where consistent energy supply remains a challenge.The company is also exploring wireless power transfer through radio frequency (RF) technology in collaboration with the University of Kashmir Institute of Technology. However, it says laser-based transmission offers higher energy density and more precise targeting, improving efficiency while reducing energy loss.With teams based in India and the US, Prime Movr positions itself as a renewable energy-focused company working on wireless power and energy harvesting solutions. As pilot projects take shape, cities like Pune could play a key role in demonstrating how such technologies move from experimental concepts to real-world applications.
