Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup Vimag Labs has secured its fifth Indian patent for a software-defined, magnet-free electric motor platform, strengthening its intellectual property portfolio as it gears up for commercial deployments across electric mobility, industrial automation and defence applications.
The newly granted patent, titled “A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control,” covers the core architecture of the company’s proprietary Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform, which eliminates the need for rare-earth permanent magnets used in conventional electric motors.
Software replaces rare-earth magnets
Unlike Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), which depend on fixed rare-earth magnets embedded in the rotor, Vimag Labs’ VMSM technology generates and controls the magnetic field in real time through proprietary software algorithms and power electronics.
The company said the result is a brushless, slip-ring-free synchronous motor capable of matching or surpassing the performance of permanent magnet motors while reducing dependence on rare-earth materials.
With the latest grant, Vimag Labs’ intellectual property portfolio now comprises five granted patents, 10 patent applications under review, and 15 trademarks, covering motor architecture, software controls, power electronics and application-specific technologies.
Commercial rollout gathers pace
The patent comes as the startup expands commercial engagements with the automotive industry. Vimag Labs said it is currently running pilot projects with established two-wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers and plans to extend deployments to light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles and high-power industrial systems ranging from 200 kW to 600 kW.
The company is also developing applications for robotics, defence and advanced cooling systems.
For automotive OEMs, the technology offers lower motor costs while reducing dependence on rare-earth magnets, a significant share of which are currently sourced from China. The company said the innovation aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by enabling indigenous development of advanced electric motor technology.
Scaling global ambitions
Vimag Labs Co-founder and CEO Manish Seth said the patent represents the culmination of more than 87,600 engineering hours.
“This patent strengthens every dimension of our commercial roadmap, from OEM partnerships and licensing to manufacturing scale-up and future growth,” he said.
Seth added that the company’s long-term vision is to build scalable, software-defined, magnet-free motor systems for global electrification, supporting sectors including electric mobility, robotics, defence, power electronics and clean energy.
Backed by fresh funding
Vimag Labs recently raised $5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Chakra Growth Fund and Thinkuvate.
The company has also signed a manufacturing memorandum of understanding with Jendamark Pvt. Ltd. to support the scale-up of VMSM production.
Headquartered in Bengaluru, Vimag Labs is expanding its operations across India, Europe and the United States as it seeks to commercialise its next-generation electric motor technology