Award · Healthcare & Life Sciences

Theranautilus wins Top Innovator at ET Startup Awards

By Startup Enthusiast · 18 September 2026

What they do

Theranautilus develops magnetically controlled nanorobots designed for targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and medical treatments

The company won the Top Innovator award at the 2026 ET Startup Awards and is preparing for human dental trials

The startup plans to commercialize its oral health solution within two years and its oncology technology within five years

Theranautilus received the Top Innovator title at the ET Startup Awards 2026.
The company will begin human trials for its dental nanorobot technology between November and December 2026.
The initial phase of the trial will involve approximately 30 patients.
A larger multicentric trial involving 300 patients will follow the first phase.
Human testing follows successful mice trials and official CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) permission.
The company aims to launch its oral health solution commercially within two years.

The startup was previously recognized as one of India's Top 10 innovative startups by the government.
It has received several honors including the Presidential National Award and the Tata Transformation Prize.
The company's technology has been showcased to international leaders and the Prime Minister of India.

The company builds magnetically controlled nanorobots for medical applications.
Its core pillars are Reach, Diagnose, and Treat at the microscale level.
The lead product for oncology is named CalBot.
Dental applications include treating dentin hypersensitivity and managing biofilms.
Oncology applications focus on the brain and peritoneal cavity.
The technology is currently at TRL-5 (Technology Readiness Level 5).