The global shift towards electrification faces a significant hurdle: the reliance of high-performance electric motors on rare earth elements. These materials present challenges due to volatile supply chains, escalating costs, and substantial environmental impact, threatening the sustainability of electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial machinery.
Vimag Labs, a Bengaluru-based deeptech startup operating under the commercial brand Volektra, is pioneering magnet-free electric synchronous motors. This innovation aims to liberate industries from rare earth dependency while delivering superior or comparable performance. The company has secured $5 million in Series A funding to advance this technology.
The Rare Earth Problem: Why Electrification Needs Magnet-Free Alternatives
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) are the industry standard for high torque density and efficiency. However, their reliance on rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium leads to several vulnerabilities:
- Supply Chain Vulnerability: Concentration in limited geographic regions creates fragile trade dependencies.
- Cost Volatility: Unpredictable pricing complicates long-term manufacturing planning.
- Environmental Impact: Extraction is resource-intensive, involving harsh chemicals and habitat destruction.
Inside Vimag Labs’ Innovation: How Magnet-Free Electric Synchronous Motors Work
Vimag Labs’ breakthrough is its proprietary “Virtual Magnet Synchronous motor platform” (VMM), which redefines magnetic field generation by using a software-defined, electronically generated approach instead of physical permanent magnets.
The Mechanism
VMMs use advanced power electronics and control software to dynamically create magnetic fields. Manish Seth, CEO, describes these as “largely software-defined” motors.
Virtual Magnetization
The technology wirelessly energizes the rotor. Once energized, the rotor behaves as if it has embedded magnets, synchronizing with the stator via intelligent algorithms.
Performance Breakthrough: Outperforming Traditional Designs
“Our platform delivers higher efficiency than magnet-based motors, at a cost that is at least neutral and, in the long run, lower for customers.” — Manish Seth, CEO.
Vs. PMSMs
Replicates high torque and compact size benefits without any rare earth materials.
Vs. BLDC
Offers smoother operation and eliminates torque ripple, optimizing energy usage across duty cycles.
Vs. Induction
Superior torque density and lower losses, specifically in compact designs where induction motors historically struggle.
Broad Applications & Rapid Commercialization
Electric Vehicles
Plug-and-play systems for 2- and 3-wheelers in high-growth Southeast Asian markets.
Industrial Machinery
Precision control for pumps, compressors, and robotics where durability is key.
HVAC & Cooling
Sustainable energy-saving upgrades for large-scale refrigeration systems.
Defense
Securing domestic supply chains for mission-critical propulsion systems.
Scaling Up: The Volektra & Jendamark Partnership
In June 2025, Volektra entered a strategic MoU with Jendamark India Pvt. Ltd. to industrialize production. Jendamark, a leader in automation, will manage production lines, ensuring a seamless transition from “lab to line.”
“Vimag Labs is creating a fundamentally new electric motor and controls platform as electrification begins to confront real constraints around cost, materials, and supply chain resilience.”— Barath Subramanian, Partner at Accel
Conclusion
Vimag Labs is establishing a new paradigm for electric propulsion. With $5 million in funding and its Virtual Magnet Motor technology at TRL 7, this Bengaluru-based startup proves that high-performance motors can be achieved without rare earth elements.
This innovation paves the way for a truly sustainable, resilient, and technologically advanced electrified world, heralding a revolution powered by virtual magnets.
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