ideaForge inks MoU with Japan's DMP to Expand Global Footprint in Next-Gen AI Drones

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone technology player, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP), a leading AI technology provider in Japan. Under this partnership, ideaForge will develop next-generation Di1-powered AI drones and enter the Japanese market with DMP's support, marking a major step forward for India's deep-tech global expansion.

As the global drone market surges from USD 54.9 billion in 2024 to USD 117.6 billion by 2030, Japan’s market is slated to grow from USD 2.0 billion in 2025 to USD 5.1 billion by 2034. To enable this growth, Edge AI is critical for drone-based autonomous solutions in defense, security, & industrial applications. The Di1 edge AI SoC from DMP has FP4-based NPU for high-performance, low-power, 4-channel camera for 360-degree vision, and strong imagery, which works in tandem with ideaForge’s rugged, secure, autonomous, and resilient field-proven VTOL drones to perform robust autonomous flight in severe environments and complex terrains. Together, ideaForge’s UAS end-to-end expertise and DMP’s Physical AI arm bring smarter and safer autonomous systems for accelerated adoption.

The partnership is focused on two key areas where ideaForge will provide the Di1 integration in its UAV platforms to enable new features, and DMP will be the Go To Market (GTM) partner for ideaForge’s drone solutions portfolio in Japan, enabling demonstrations, customer outreach, distribution, training, and after sales support.

On this occasion, Mr. Ankit Mehta, CEO and Co-founder, ideaForge Technology Ltd said, “Our vision at ideaForge is to build next-generation intelligent unmanned aircraft systems by seamlessly integrating advanced design, engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and cutting-edge AI technologies. This collaboration with DMP aligns perfectly with our broader strategy to develop high-performance, customizable AI for defense autonomy drones that efficiently address diverse global market needs from defense surveillance and border security to industrial infrastructure inspection and precision agriculture. Through this collaboration, we would be able to leverage DMP’s strong presence and understanding of the Japanese market to accelerate our global expansion initiatives and will provide smarter, more efficient, and sustainable autonomous drone systems that deliver real-time decision-making, extended endurance, and unmatched reliability in the most demanding environments.”

Tatsuo Yamamoto, Chairman, President & CEO, Digital Media Professionals Inc., added: “We are thrilled to partner with ideaForge, a global leader in mission-critical drones, to integrate our Di1 edge AI SoC into their next-generation UAV platforms. This MOU accelerates Di1’s accelerated deployment while enabling DMP to bring ideaForge’s rugged, high-endurance, and resilient drones to Japan’s defence, security, and industrial markets. We will work together to create Physical AI-powered solutions that change the way drones operate in terms of safety, accuracy, and independence.”

This collaboration is a critical milestone in the global expansion of ideaForge, leveraging Indian deep-tech innovation and Japanese AI expertise to create mission-critical defense, security, and industrial drones for the Japanese market. ideaForge already has an established presence in the United States through its joint venture, First Forge Technology, focused on manufacturing and distribution in the region. By creating a flexible framework for joint development and market entry, the two companies are poised to capitalize on high-growth opportunities while pioneering sustainable, autonomous aviation technologies that transform resilience and efficiency in operations.

DGCA Approves AVPL International’s Drone RPTO in Hisar, Paving Way for North India’s Drone Talent Hub

The Drone RPTO of AVPL International ( AITMC Ventures Limited) in Sisai, Hisar has received official approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marking a key milestone for drone training in North India. The RPTO now features 10 dedicated flying zones, offering extensive hands-on training for students. The RPTO offers students hands-on experience in flying and maintaining drones, adhering to national safety and training standards.

The RPTO aims to empower young men and women with drone skills for sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, security, and environmental projects, while positioning Hisar as a hub for skill development and employment opportunities.

Dr. Preet Sandhuu, Founder & MD of AVPL International, said, “This DGCA approval is a proud moment for us. Our mission is to equip India’s youth with cutting-edge drone skills and create meaningful employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. We are committed to building a skilled workforce ready for the future of drone technology.”

About AVPL International:

AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Ltd.) is a leading drone company. We stand at the forefront of India’s drone revolution, blending cutting-edge research, robust R&D infrastructure, and industry-driven innovation. With over a decade of leadership, AVPL is committed to shaping the future of unmanned systems globally. Our objective is to indigenously design, manufacture and operate cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems across critical sectors including Defence, Logistics, Agriculture, Urban Development, Land & Mining, Power, Forestry, Roadways, and Skill & Education, thereby strengthening national security, driving sustainable socio economic transformation, and propelling India’s drone industry to global leadership under the ʻMake in India’ initiative.

For more information, please visit : https://avplinternational.com/

AICTE and IG Drones Partner to Establish 50 Drone CoEs in Engineering Institutes Across India

AICTE and IG Drones Join Hands to Establish 50 Drone Centres of Excellence in Technical Institutes across India

In a landmark move towards creating a technologically skilled and self-reliant India, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with IG Drones to set up 50 Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across 50 engineering colleges in India. This initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, aiming to bridge the skill gap in emerging technologies by empowering youth with cutting-edge training in drone technology.

The Drone Centres of Excellence will serve as dynamic hubs for innovation, hands-on training, and research, embedding advanced drone technology into technical education. Students will gain industry-relevant skills and certifications in drone operations, manufacturing, and applications. Under this initiative, 200 students from each university will be trained, equipping over 10,000 learners with specialized expertise in drone technology. These centres aim to foster entrepreneurship and indigenous innovation, creating a skilled workforce for high-impact sectors like agriculture, defence, disaster management, logistics, and urban planning. This initiative will play a vital role in driving economic growth and preparing youth for future-ready, impact-driven careers in a self-reliant, tech-enabled India.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, said, "This collaboration with IG Drones is a step towards realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ powered by skilled youth. By embedding drone technology into our technical education framework, we are not only preparing our students for tomorrow’s jobs but also strengthening India’s capabilities in home-grown, high-end technology sectors. These Centres of Excellence will serve as vibrant hubs of innovation—democratizing access to advanced technology, promoting inclusion, and fostering entrepreneurship and indigenous development. They will not only equip students with industry-ready skills but also encourage them to launch their own startups and build solutions in high-end tech drone sectors."

The partnership gains further significance against the backdrop of the Government’s 2025–26 Union Budget, which has reaffirmed skilling as a top national priority. The establishment of five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, a Centre of Excellence in AI, and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs is part of a broader effort to equip youth with industry-relevant, specialized skills in a rapidly transforming economic landscape.

Adding a strong regional dimension to this national initiative, India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) were established in Odisha in February, where Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar, under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), partnered with IG Drones to set up Drone Training Centres in the Kalahandi district. These centres are a crucial part of IG Drones’ larger mission of preparing India’s youth for the Industrial 4.0 Revolution, with a goal to skill over 10 million students in advanced drone technologies through its Drone Centres of Excellence. Focused on tribal and rural upskilling, particularly among women and youth, the Kalahandi centres aim to create future-ready talent pools in underserved areas.

Two such centres have already been established in the gram panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar, offering hands-on training to develop certified drone pilots and technicians. These programs not only provide pathways to meaningful employment but also spark STEM interest among schoolchildren, driving the long-term technological empowerment of the region.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder of IG Drones, said, 

Our mission is deeply rooted in the principles of indigenous innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to build a drone ecosystem that is truly ‘Made in India’, powered by local talent, and equipped to serve global standards. We believe this is how we make technology inclusive, equitable, and meaningful, especially for rural and tribal communities.

IG Drones is at the forefront of research-led, locally manufactured drone technology, minimizing reliance on foreign imports and strengthening India's position as a leader in drone innovation. The company’s focus on indigenous design, development, and deployment aligns with the national goal of creating a resilient and self-sufficient technological landscape.

This collaboration between AICTE and IG Drones marks a significant step in transforming India's technical education system by connecting classrooms with cutting-edge industry practices. It exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate progress towards a skilled, empowered, and globally competitive Bharat—ready to lead the world in new-age technologies.

DSP Mutual Fund, Dentsu Creative Webchutney & Falco Robotics Partner to Reunite Lost Children with Families at Purna Maha Kumbh

• Launch ‘Garuda Rakshak’, a Human-Interest Initiative…

The Purna Maha Kumbh, a rare and sacred Hindu festival, occurs once every 144 years, following 12 cycles of the Maha Kumbh. This year, it is expected to draw a record 400 million devotees, solidifying its position as the largest human gathering on Earth. However, amidst this grand celebration, a pressing concern emerges: the alarming number of missing children. Over 250,000 individuals, many of whom were children, have vanished during past events, facing exploitation or permanent family separation.

In response to this unfortunate but very real problem, DSP Mutual Fund has partnered with Dentsu Creative Webchutney, in association with Falco Robotics, to launch Garuda Rakshak – a groundbreaking offline, drone-based search-and-rescue solution designed to overcome network congestion challenges and swiftly reunite lost children with their families. Derived from the mythological Garuda, a divine bird embodying protection and vigilance, Garuda Rakshak serves as a guardian in the sky.

Based on 1970s marine navigation technology, it utilises low-frequency radio bands for long-range communication and precision satellite tracking, all while requiring minimal infrastructure.

If a child goes missing, guardians can simply tap their ID bands at the Lost and Found Centre to activate the Garuda Rakshak system. The drone, armed with real-time geo-data from the child’s wristband, springs into action, pinpointing the child’s location within minutes. It deploys an extendable colour marker high in the sky, cutting through the chaos to visually guide rescuers, while simultaneously transmitting the child’s details to the on-ground rescue team. This seamless, revolutionary solution ensures a fast, reliable rescue, even in the most chaotic situations.

Abhik Sanyal, Head of Marketing, DSP Asset Managers, said,

At DSP Mutual Fund, we believe that investing goes beyond chasing monetary gains—it’s about bettering lives, communities, and inspiring hope. Backing an idea like Garuda Rakshak truly resonates with our belief that the most meaningful solutions to real problems of today can sometimes be found by those willing to dip into the wisdom of the past. For us, this initiative of hope came straight from the heart, while still embodying, perhaps even elevating, our commitment to DSP’s ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy. Because the most meaningful returns are found in the safety, love, and smiles we can help bring back to the world.

Gurbaksh Singh, Chief Innovation Officer, India, Dentsu Creative, added,

In an era dominated by IoTs, we've taken a step back to draw inspiration from the past and fused it with new-age drone automation that not only saves lives but also restores hope and reassurance to families in their most vulnerable moments. The project showcases the transformative power of technology when driven by human compassion and a relentless pursuit of a safer, more caring world.

Vishal Dixit, CEO, Falco Robotics, commented,

The integration of drone technology with Garuda Rakshak's offline navigation system has resulted in a truly pioneering solution, uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of such extraordinary, high-density events. We're excited to see the difference it makes. 

Harnessing human ingenuity and technology to safeguard lives, Garuda Rakshak paves the way for innovation in search and rescue, reuniting families with every flight.

About DSP Mutual Fund:

DSP Mutual Fund has an over 25-year track record of investment excellence. Today, we have the honour of managing money for over 55 lakh investors from all walks of life: hard-working salaried individuals, high-net-worth individuals, NRIs, small and mid-sized business owners, large private & public corporations, trusts, and foreign institutions. We take great pride in knowing that we play a key role in the creation of wealth for all our investors and will always continue to be an organisation with a purpose—our responsibility is to make a real difference to the lives of our investors.

DSP Mutual Fund is backed by the 160+ year-old DSP Group. Over the past one and a half centuries, the family behind the Group has been very influential in the growth and professionalisation of capital markets and the money management business in India.

Our investors’ interests will always remain at the core of our business, and we will continue to maintain a relentless focus on doing what's best for them as they #InvestForGood.

Visit us at dspim.com for more.

About Dentsu Creative Webchutney:

Dentsu Creative is a global creative agency network designed to unlock exponential growth for clients. We use transformative creativity as a differentiating driving force to bring our capabilities together to positively impact people, businesses, and society. Established in June 2022, Dentsu Creative is integrated with Dentsu’s Media and CXM businesses in over 145 countries and regions to offer end-to-end solutions to clients globally.

About Falco Robotics:

Falco Robotics believes in unlocking the true potential of drone and robotics technology to transform industries and communities. By blending innovation with purpose, they deliver solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and progress across diverse sectors.

Bharat Electronics (BEL) Develops Drone-based Electronics Intelligence System Prototype

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), headquartered in Hyderabad, has taken a significant leap forward in Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems by developing a drone-based ELINT system. This prototype marks an important step in bolstering India's electronic warfare capabilities.

For an uninitiated, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) refers to the intelligence gathered from the analysis of electronic signals and communications. It involves intercepting and analyzing various types of electromagnetic emissions, such as radio waves, radar signals, and electrical signals, to extract valuable information. ELINT plays a critical role in understanding adversary capabilities, detecting threats, and supporting military operations. 

BEL's Drone-based ELINT prototype operates in the 2-18 GHz frequency range, detecting, identifying, and locating radar and communication signals used by potential adversaries. While the current prototype covers a specific range, there's immense potential for further research and development (R&D) to expand its operational spectrum from 0.175 GHz to 40 GHz.

BEL actively encourages private sector expertise and innovation to achieve this broader vision. Drone-based ELINT systems offer advantages such as accessibility to areas traditional ground-based systems can't reach, greater deployment flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for electronic intelligence gathering.

Vodafone and FlyNex in Germany Launches Online Platform for Commercial Drone Flights

Vodafone Germany, in collaboration with data collection company FlyNex, has launched DroNet Hub, a comprehensive online platform designed to assist businesses in planning and managing commercial drone flights. This platform addresses the complexities of drone flight operations, including flight approval, trajectory planning, network coverage quality, and post-flight data evaluation.

The new online platform 'DroNet Hub' makes commercial drone flights possible for every company with just a few mouse clicks - regardless of whether it is a large corporation or a medium-sized company. Everything from planning to implementation and analysis to the finished report is now possible online.

DroNet Hub simplifies the process, enabling companies to plan, control, and analyze drone flights with just a few clicks. It includes features like automated data collection and reporting, and integrates AI to quickly analyze aerial photographs for automated report generation¹. These reports can be used to create 3D models or digital twins of the monitored areas.

The platform also offers a new tariff called DroNet Connect Stream, which provides a high-speed data volume of 500GB, expandable to 1TB, ensuring consistent live data transmission from drones directly to the Hub. Additionally, it incorporates mobile network data to help understand connectivity and population density along the flight path.

This innovation is particularly beneficial for monitoring infrastructure such as industrial plants, electricity pylons, and wind farms, which often require complex inspections. Drones can inspect these structures for damage without the need for on-site presence, significantly reducing risks and costs. The launch of DroNet Hub marks a significant advancement in making commercial drone flights more accessible to businesses across Germany.

 

© Vodafone

DroNet Hub platform's capabilities suggest that it could significantly enhance commercial drone operations for various businesses. The integration of flight planning, implementation, report generation, and AI analysis can streamline operations and offer valuable insights for companies utilizing drone technology.

For instance, industries like agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring could benefit from the data analysis and AI capabilities of DroNet Hub to optimize their operations and decision-making processes. The platform's ability to support fast and straightforward approval with predictions of expected connectivity and population density on the flight path is particularly useful for ensuring safe and efficient drone flights.

 

DroNet drone © Vodafone

It's worth noting that similar platforms and technologies have been successfully implemented in various sectors, demonstrating the potential for DroNet Hub to facilitate successful drone operations. For example, Elsight's Halo connectivity solution has been used by companies like DroneUp, MissionGo, and Speedbird for drone deliveries and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, showcasing the reliability and safety that robust connectivity solutions can provide.

As DroNet Hub continues to be adopted by more businesses, it's likely that success stories will emerge, highlighting the platform's impact on commercial drone operations. For the latest case studies and success stories, it would be beneficial to keep an eye on industry news and Vodafone's official communications.