This Tech Start-up's Inception Was Led by its Founders' Quest to Be Their Own Bosses Navin Jain & Kaushik Mudda smashed the startup stereotypes by changing career paths for the better

By Aastha Singal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Youngsters are inclining towards the idea of becoming job creators instead of job seekers. Everyday more and more innovative brains are inventing models unheard of before. Kaushik Mudda and Navin Jain had similar aspirations before they were struck with reality. Initially interested in developing drones, the duo was unable to get hold of a CNC machine for making better parts.

A CNC or computer numerical control machine is a high precision tool that's computer-controlled and makes repeated, accurate movements. It does so by taking computer-generated code and converting it with software to electrical signals. However, "Buying a CNC machine for a college student was just out of the question," Jain said.

Like passionate youngsters, the two friends decided to make one. After a lot of research and development, they were able to crack the CNC machine technology and decided to change career direction by pioneering the invention of industrial printers that make use of five dimensions. They launched Ethereal Machines in 2014.

A Unique Startup

Ethereal Machines is a tech-based B2B hardware startup that brings conjunction between additive & subtractive manufacturing techniques through hybrid manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is basically 3-D printing in which the material is added layer by layer whereas subtractive manufacturing uses CNC machines in which the material is removed layer by layer.

The combination of these two technologies opens up doors in generative design field, curvilinear electronics, wearable tech, automotive and aerospace industry, multi-material structures and more. "Ethereal Machines has been working towards path-breaking technologies to redefine the manufacturing industry," Mudda had stated earlier.

A startup that started with the simple idea of enabling people to have access to technologies that were not available to them till now has caught the eyes of major investors due to its unique 5-axis modeling technique. Ethereal Machines recently raised $1 million pre-Series A funding led by Blume Ventures. Watch how the technology works in the video above.

Aastha Singal

Entrepreneur Staff

Former Features Writer

A business journalist looking to find happiness in the world of startups, investments, MSMEs and more. Officially started her career as a news reporter for News World India, Aastha had short stints with NDTV and NewsX. A true optimist seeking to make a difference, she is a comic junkie who'd rather watch a typical Bollywood masala than a Hollywood blockbuster. 

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

News and Trends

FlexifyMe and House of Zelena Raise Early-Stage Funding

The below Indian brands have announced their latest funding rounds.

Leadership

The Most Dangerous Word in Entrepreneurship is "Try"

If you're struggling to get things done or meet your goals, you need to ask yourself: Are you trying, or doing?

News and Trends

How Lab-Grown Diamonds are Reshaping Jewellery Market

As sustainability takes the centre stage shaping the luxury market, lab grown diamonds (LGDs) are leading the way and not merely following the latest trends, says Ishendra Agarwal, Founder, Giva

News and Trends

Netweb Technologies Secures INR 1,734 Cr Order to Strengthen AI infrastructure

Execution is scheduled between the last quarter of FY26 and the first half of FY27.

Technology

No Immediate Plans For Manufacturing Or R&D In India; To Works With Local Customers: Christophe Fouquet, CEO, ASML

We are establishing a customer support office to work more closely with local customers and eco-system partners. As India continues to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, ASML is pleased to contribute its technological expertise, says Christophe Fouquet