In recent years, drones have soared beyond military and recreational use to become essential tools across various industries, from agriculture and infrastructure to logistics and surveillance. In India, where sectors like agriculture, e-commerce, and disaster management are crucial, drones have become critical solutions. With government policies like the Drone Rules 2021 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Drones supporting the sector, the Indian drone startup ecosystem has seen remarkable growth.
In this article, we explore some of the leading drone startups in India that are not only revolutionising the domestic market but also gaining international attention. These companies are pushing the boundaries of drone technology, creating solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Indian landscape, and setting the stage for a new era of autonomous aerial capabilities. Let’s dive into the top drone startups making waves in India.
Surveyaan
Surveyaan is a cutting-edge drone startup specialising in aerial surveillance and data analytics for agriculture, real estate, mining, and infrastructure. Its products include the Surveyaan V1 drone, which collects real-time land data, and the Surveyaan GeoWorkspace software, which allows the user to turn thousands of images into highly distinct 3D models and maps and gain faster and more accurate insights. Known for its end-to-end service, Surveyaan offers seamless solutions, from flight planning to data interpretation, making drone technology accessible without significant investment. Founded by a team of engineers and drone experts, Surveyaan is rapidly gaining traction as a leader in UAV technology, poised to shape the future of aerial data solutions. Recently, Surveyaan achieved the significant milestone of mapping 820,000 acres of land, securing nearly 100TB of high-resolution, cloud-based survey data. This achievement sets Surveyaan apart as a leader in the geospatial industry, particularly in handling and securing vast amounts of critical data.
Read more: Up, Up, and Away – The Best Drones for 2024
IoTechWorld
When it comes to spraying pesticides on large swathes of land, drones can be a farmer’s best friend. IoTechWorld is a leader in this space, with its Agribot MX drone offering state-of-the-art features like a collision avoidance system and an advanced ADAS (Automatic Drone Assistance System). The Agribot MX features a radar-based terrain functionality that detects the variable height of crops and maintains a constant distance for a uniform spray. It’s got a live video streaming feature as well, enabling users to monitor the spraying on a 7-inch touchscreen display on its controller. The drone itself weighs 28.13 kg and can carry a payload of 10 kg. Moreover, its large 25,200mAh battery means it can cover 1500 acres on a single charge.
ideaForge
ideaForge is a pioneering drone technology company known for its high-performance UAVs designed for defence, surveillance, and industrial applications. With drones built for rugged reliability, ideaForge focuses on precision, endurance, and advanced features, including real-time data capture and analysis. The company’s drones are widely used in areas such as border security, mapping, disaster management, and infrastructure inspection, providing actionable insights and enhancing operational safety. Founded by IIT-Bombay graduates, ideaForge combines innovation and engineering expertise, making it a trusted name in UAV technology and a leader in India’s growing drone industry.
DroneAcharya
DroneAcharya is a fast-growing drone technology and services company specialising in UAV training, data acquisition, and analytics across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. Focused on empowering individuals and organisations, DroneAcharya offers comprehensive drone training programs, equipping users with the skills to operate and interpret drone data for industry-specific applications. The company’s services help clients improve operational efficiency, from crop monitoring and land surveying to site inspections and resource management. Known for its commitment to quality education and technical expertise, DroneAcharya is shaping the future of drone applications in India, creating new opportunities in the UAV ecosystem.
Zen Technologies
Zen Technologies is a leading provider of defence training solutions, specialising in advanced simulation systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military and security applications. Known for its innovation in virtual, live, and constructive simulation training, Zen Technologies helps armed forces and security personnel improve readiness, operational skills, and safety. The company’s products include combat training systems, driving simulators, UAVs, and anti-drone solutions, all designed to provide realistic training experiences. Founded with a focus on self-reliance in defence technology, Zen Technologies has become a trusted partner to defence organisations in India and abroad, contributing to a more advanced and secure defence landscape.