Scimplify bets on AI, semiconductors and defence chemicals as new growth engines; targets doubling revenue

Bengaluru-based specialty chemicals platform Scimplify is doubling down on AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, defence and critical minerals as its next phase of growth, with these sectors emerging as its fastest-growing business and now contributing nearly 40 per cent of its revenue, Co-founder Sachin Santhosh said.

The company, which operates an asset-light manufacturing model by partnering with more than 500 manufacturing facilities, is also targeting doubling its revenue this year after crossing ₹1,000 crore in cumulative revenue since 2023, while expanding its global footprint across 35 countries.

“Energy, AI, defence, battery chemicals, semiconductors and critical metals have become the breakout sectors for us over the last six months,” Santhosh told businessline. “These businesses accounted for less than 10 per cent of revenue six months ago but today contribute nearly 40 per cent.”

The company currently works with over 500 manufacturing partners, nearly 90 per cent of them in India, while expanding sourcing and manufacturing relationships in Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. It also has offices and teams in the US, Japan, the UAE and Indonesia, besides a sourcing operation in China, and plans to add capabilities in Europe and Latin America.

To support growth in emerging industries, Scimplify is increasing investments in research and development. It recently invested about ₹15 crore to establish a new R&D laboratory in Bengaluru and currently spends ₹25-30 crore annually on R&D across facilities in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gujarat. The company expects this investment to rise to ₹30-40 crore next year, particularly towards advanced materials, rare earths and critical metals.

Santhosh said Scimplify has also begun developing chemicals and advanced materials used across the AI infrastructure value chain, including semiconductor etchants, specialty coolants, dielectric oils and battery chemicals. Internally, the company is deploying AI to accelerate chemical synthesis and optimise manufacturing through sensor-driven process controls.

On funding, Santhosh said Scimplify is in early discussions with investors but is prioritising strategic partnerships with global industrial companies over a traditional venture round. While an IPO remains part of the long-term roadmap, the company expects a public listing only over the next two to three years. Operationally, excluding R&D investments, the company has been profitable over the past four months and says it has a strong international order pipeline spanning more than 100 global customers.