Vimag Labs Secures Fifth Patent for Magnet-Free Electric Motor Technology

Vimag Labs has strengthened its intellectual property portfolio by securing its fifth Indian patent for its innovative Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform. The latest patent protects the company’s software-defined electric motor architecture, which has been developed to operate without the use of rare-earth permanent magnets. The achievement marks another significant milestone in the Bengaluru-based deep-tech company’s efforts to develop next-generation electric motor technologies that reduce dependence on critical raw materials while supporting the growing demand for sustainable mobility and industrial applications.

The newly granted patent, titled “A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control,” covers the core architecture and control methodology of the VMSM platform. The technology combines advanced power electronics with proprietary software algorithms to generate and regulate magnetic fields dynamically, eliminating the need for permanent magnets within the motor. By protecting both the motor architecture and its intelligent control system, the patent further strengthens Vimag Labs’ position as it prepares for wider commercial deployment and manufacturing scale-up.

The development comes at a time when manufacturers and governments worldwide are actively exploring alternatives to conventional Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), which rely heavily on rare-earth magnets. These critical materials are largely sourced through complex global supply chains, raising concerns about availability, pricing and geopolitical dependence. As electric mobility continues to expand rapidly, reducing reliance on rare-earth materials has become an important priority for the automotive and industrial sectors.

Unlike conventional permanent magnet motors, the VMSM platform generates and controls magnetic fields electronically through sophisticated software and power electronics. This enables the motor to function as a brushless, slip-ring-free synchronous machine capable of delivering performance comparable to—or potentially exceeding—that of traditional permanent magnet motors. The software-defined architecture also provides greater flexibility, allowing future performance improvements through software enhancements without requiring significant hardware modifications.

With the latest grant, Vimag Labs now holds five granted patents in India while maintaining a strong innovation pipeline with ten additional patent applications currently under examination. The company has also filed 15 trademarks covering its motor architecture, software control systems, power electronics and application-specific technologies. This expanding intellectual property portfolio reflects the company’s long-term strategy of building a comprehensive technology platform for advanced electric drive systems.

Commenting on the achievement, Manish Seth, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vimag Labs, said the latest patent represents the outcome of more than 87,600 engineering hours invested in research and development. He noted that the growing patent portfolio supports the company’s commercial roadmap, including strategic OEM partnerships, technology licensing opportunities and future manufacturing expansion. According to Seth, protecting the company’s core innovations is a crucial step towards commercialising indigenous electric motor technologies developed entirely in India.

Commercial deployment of the VMSM platform is already progressing, with Vimag Labs currently conducting pilot programmes with leading two-wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers. The company also plans to expand the technology into light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and industrial applications ranging from 200 kW to 600 kW. Beyond mobility, the platform is being evaluated for applications in robotics, defence and advanced cooling systems, where efficient and reliable electric motors are increasingly in demand.

Earlier this year, Vimag Labs strengthened its growth plans by raising US$5 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, with participation from Chakra Growth Fund and Thinkuvate. The company has also entered into a manufacturing memorandum of understanding with Jendamark Pvt. Ltd. to support production scale-up of its VMSM platform. As electrification gathers pace across multiple industries, Vimag Labs is positioning its software-defined, magnet-free motor technology as a viable and sustainable alternative that supports India’s ambitions for indigenous manufacturing, technological innovation and supply chain resilience.