How Hubballi’s DocketRun is revolutionizing industrial safety using AI

Hubballi

Based in Hubballi, DocketRun Tech Private Limited is transforming safety and security in heavy industries through Artificial Intelligence. Founded in 2019 by Ajay Kabadi, the bootstrapped startup turns standard CCTV cameras into smart, life-saving systems.

Can you introduce us to DocketRun and tell us what you do?
Ajay Kabadi : We are DocketRun Tech Private Limited, headquartered in Hubballi. We build Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions primarily for heavy industries like steel, cement, oil and gas, and automotive manufacturing. Unfortunately, fatal accidents and major hazards are quite common in factory environments.

How exactly does your technology work on the ground?
Ajay Kabadi: Large factories usually have hundreds or thousands of existing CCTV cameras. Traditionally, a human sits in a control room staring at multiple screens, which makes it impossible to monitor everything actively. CCTVs end up being used only for "post-mortem" reporting after an accident has occurred. What we do is integrate our proprietary hardware and software with these existing cameras.

Our AI acts like a human brain and eye, constantly analyzing the live feed. For instance, if a worker is operating without a helmet, the system immediately makes an announcement in local languages like Hindi, Kannada, or Marathi, warning them of the hazard. It detects fires, smoke, unsafe proximity to heavy machinery like forklifts or cranes, and can even automatically stop a machine if a human gets dangerously close. We basically categorize our work into four pillars: Safety, Security, Inspection, and Process monitoring.

Who are your major clients, and how large is your footprint today?
Ajay Kabadi: We work with major players in the heavy industry sector. Our clients include JSW Steel, Tata Steel, Hindalco, Arjas Steel, Tata Hitachi, Maruti Suzuki, and Advanced Rail Controls.

How did the idea for DocketRun originate?
Ajay Kabadi: The startup emerged during COVID-19 after witnessing factories struggle with safety and workforce shortages. Understanding the human and financial impact of industrial accidents inspired the development of an automation-based factory safety solution.

We hear DocketRun is expanding internationally. Tell us about your recent recognition in the Middle East
Ajay Kabadi: The startup achieved a major milestone by reaching the Top 5 in the India-UAE CEPA Council’s startup program from nearly 10,000 entries. Impressed by the technology, the UAE government is sponsoring its Abu Dhabi setup, enabling expansion into global markets.

Despite these global ambitions, you have built this entirely from a Tier-2 city like Hubballi. What was the thought process behind this?
Ajay Kabadi: Instead of relocating to Bengaluru or Pune, the company chose North Karnataka to create quality tech jobs. Co-managed by Vinayak Kabadi, it employs 31 people, many from rural areas. Through the Deshpande Foundation’s ‘Ek Lakshya’ program, deserving students receive sponsored education, internships, AI training and full-time employment opportunities.

Building a tech startup outside of Bengaluru is a goal for many, but it can be challenging. How has the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) supported your journey in a Tier-2 city like Hubballi?
Ajay Kabadi: Going to Bengaluru to start the company was the obvious choice, but my strong desire was to create employment specifically for the North Karnataka region. I wanted to prove that we can build high-end AI companies beyond Tier-1 cities. This is where KDEM played a crucial role. 
Through KDEM, we got excellent exposure and ecosystem support.

It opened doors to mentorship programs in Belagavi and helped us navigate government schemes and opportunities like the Elevate grant—and we are now applying for Elevate Next. Furthermore, KDEM's initiatives provided us with the right platform to explore collaborations and build a model where we can hire and train rural youth. They have been instrumental in supporting our vision to develop large-scale, global products right from Hubballi.