Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Entrepreneur Expands From One-BHK Flat to Defense Factory
Tanmay Tiwari studied aerospace engineering in the United Kingdom before returning to India.
He started Datum Advanced Composites in a one-BHK flat in 2021.
The company first made lightweight parts for civilian products such as drones and automobiles.
Its materials were later tested by IIT Kanpur for defense use.
The company now makes composite products for defense-related projects.
It operates a 20,000-square-foot factory in Kanpur with about 40 employees.
Datum plans to build a much larger facility in the Lucknow area.
Government incentives may help the company expand and create many new jobs.
Tanmay Tiwari founded Datum Advanced Composites after returning to India from the United Kingdom in 2021.
The company began in a one-BHK flat and initially made carbon-fiber and glass-fiber components for civilian uses.
After testing by IIT Kanpur, the company began producing composite equipment for India’s defense sector.
Its current Kanpur factory covers about 20,000 square feet, employs around 40 people, and holds AS 9100 certification.
A planned 70,000–80,000-square-foot facility in Lucknow is expected to create about 200 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs.
- Who
- Tanmay Tiwari and Datum Advanced Composites, with support from the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor.
- What
- A small composite-components company is expanding from a one-BHK startup into a planned 70,000–80,000-square-foot defense manufacturing facility.
- When
- Tanmay returned to India and founded the company in 2021; the expansion was discussed on September 29.
- Where
- The existing factory is in Kanpur, and the planned facility will be at the Lucknow node of the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor.
- Why
- The company identified defense applications for its composite products, while government incentives and support are encouraging further investment.
- Founder
- Tanmay Tiwari
- Company
- Datum Advanced Composites
- Current facility
- Approximately 20,000 square feet in Kanpur
- Current workforce
- Around 40 people
- Planned facility
- Approximately 70,000–80,000 square feet at the Lucknow node
- Expected employment
- Around 200 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs
- Potential incentive
- Up to a 25 percent capital subsidy on capital investment