Unique Group, global leaders in subsea technologies and engineering, is proud to announce its selection as a Finalist for the 2025 IMCA Awards under the Innovation and Technology – Project of the Year category. This recognition highlights the company’s groundbreaking work on India’s first DNV-certified Human Support and Safety System (HSSS) for the MATSYA 6000 manned submersible, part of the country’s flagship Samudrayaan Mission.
India’s First DNV-Certified Life Support System for 6000m Operations
Chosen from an exceptionally strong pool of global submissions, Unique Group’s project was commended by the judging panel for its innovation, measurable impact, and contribution to the future of offshore and marine technology. The HSSS, designed for operations up to 6,000-meter water depth within a compact 2.1m personnel sphere, delivers 12 hours of operational endurance and 96 hours of emergency backup – an essential requirement for deep-sea human exploration. Incorporating several in-house innovations, including high-efficiency CO₂ scrubbers and dehumidifiers that achieve more than 50 percent performance gains, the system significantly reduces consumables, maintenance costs, and environmental impact, establishing new standards in sustainable deep-sea life support technology. Judges described the project as “an important technical reference point” with strong long-term benefits for subsea research and future human-occupied systems.
The nomination showcases Unique Group’s multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing the possibilities of deep-sea exploration through safe, reliable, and sustainable technologies.
Leadership Commentary
Commenting on the recognition, Nikhil Panicker, Engineering Manager at Unique Group, said:
“Being shortlisted for the IMCA Awards is a proud milestone for everyone at Unique Group. The work done by UG to support the MATSYA 6000 project highlights the very best of our engineering talent, innovation culture, and our commitment to pushing boundaries in subsea technology. This achievement underscores our capability to deliver complex solutions that meet stringent safety and performance standards whilst also contributing meaningfully to global ocean exploration.”
Winners to Be Announced at IMCA Global Summit 2025
Winners of the 2025 IMCA Awards will be announced at the Gala Dinner during the IMCA Global Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26th November 2025. Unique Group congratulates all finalists and looks forward to celebrating the industry’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence.