Every big startup once began as a small idea — often in a classroom, hostel room, or coffee shop. In this section, we feature inspiring stories of student founders who dared to take the first step. From their humble beginnings to the challenges they faced and the milestones they achieved, these journeys will show you what’s possible when ideas meet action.
Cofounder(s):
Rahul Arepaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahularepaka/
George Mathew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mathew-1b4b731b5/
Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Started: 2023
Current Stage: Prototype and Pilot Testing
Some of the best startup ideas are born out of late-night conversations and that’s exactly how Harvested Robotics came to life. At Mahindra University, two students, Rahul Arepaka and George Matthew, would often sit together and discuss real-world problems that needed solving. One problem that caught their attention was the backbreaking task of manual weeding in agriculture. They asked themselves: What if we could make this process tech-driven, efficient, and better for the environment? That question became the seed for Harvested Robotics.
The team officially began working on their idea in 2023. Their first step was to set up a prototype in the college incubator, experimenting with the combination of AI, vision systems, and laser technology to detect and remove weeds automatically. This was no small task but their passion to solve a real agricultural challenge kept them going.
Today, Harvested Robotics is in the prototype and pilot testing stage. They are actively refining their AI-powered laser weeding system and running tests to make it work seamlessly on farms. The vision? To give farmers a sustainable, chemical-free way to control weeds while saving time, labor, and money.
The journey hasn’t been easy. One of their toughest challenges was building a laser system that was both efficient and affordable. They tackled this by leveraging existing technologies, optimizing their design again and again, and learning from each test run. “It was a lot of trial and error,” the founders say, “but each failure taught us something new.”
What kept them motivated through all the tough times was the dream of transforming agriculture for millions of farmers and reducing the use of chemical herbicides, which harm soil health. This purpose gave them the energy to keep pushing forward, even when things got hard.
Their most memorable milestone came when they secured their first funding from Mahindra University to build prototypes. That early support gave them the confidence to dream bigger. Soon after, they raised Rs. 5 crore from Arali Ventures and Anand Mahindra, which took their project to the next level. Representing India at FIRA USA, a global agri-tech event, was another proud moment that validated their work on an international stage.
Being student entrepreneurs has shaped their journey in a unique way. With fewer preconceived notions, they were free to think outside the box, experiment without fear, and move fast. Support from mentors, peers, and the university’s incubator played a huge role in their success. “We had guidance whenever we needed it - both for technology and business strategy. That made a huge difference,” they share.
Looking ahead, the founders see a bright future for Harvested Robotics. In the next year, they plan to test their system extensively on real farms, scale up production, and expand their technology to work for different crops and farming conditions.
Their message for students who are sitting on an idea but are scared to take the first step is simple: Stay persistent. “It’s okay to fail, to try, and to learn. What matters is that you don’t stop.”
For students looking for inspiration, Harvested Robotics is proof that even from a dorm room, you can build something that has the power to impact millions.
For more information about their journey, visit www.harvestedlabs.com
