IG Defence Secures ₹300 Cr Approval for Advanced Multi-Drone Manufacturing Hub in Odisha’s Ganjam District

• One of the largest private drone manufacturing investments approved in Odisha
• Facility to manufacture tactical, EW-enabled and mission-specific unmanned systems
• Leverages proximity to DRDO labs, HAL, Ordnance Factory and AD Gopalpur test range
• Comes at a time when IG Defence has received orders for 5,000+ FPV kamikaze striker drones from defence forces

IG Defence, one of India’s leading indigenous defence technology companies, has received approval from the Government of Odisha to establish a ₹300 crore advanced multi-drone manufacturing centre in Ganjam district. The project was cleared by the 144th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, as part of a broader set of industrial approvals aimed at strengthening the state’s manufacturing and strategic industrial base.

The facility will focus on the manufacturing of advanced unmanned aerial systems and related defence technologies, including high-performance tactical and mission-specific drone platforms. Leveraging Odisha’s established defence ecosystem—including DRDO laboratories, HAL facilities, the Ordnance Factory network, and the AD Gopalpur test range the facility will support the development of indigenous electronic warfare–enabled unmanned systems and other mission-critical defence capabilities. These systems will strengthen India’s safety, security, and national sovereignty, while also being positioned for export to India’s friendly partner nations. The project marks a significant step in expanding domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capacity in line with national self-reliance objectives.

The approval places IG Defence among the key contributors to Odisha’s growing aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. By establishing operations in the state, the company supports Odisha’s vision for balanced regional industrial development while leveraging emerging infrastructure and strengthening participation in high-technology manufacturing. In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Purvodaya Mission and the Government of Odisha’s vision for a Viksit Odisha, the project is expected to be a transformative addition to the state’s strategic manufacturing landscape.

As an IP-led defence technology company, IG Defence has built a strong reputation for systems designed for real operational environments. Its drone and counter-drone platforms have been validated through field deployments, including during Operation Sindoor, and several patented platforms have already been inducted by the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The company continues to translate in-house research and development into mission-ready solutions supported by a steadily expanding manufacturing footprint across India.

Recently, IG Defence has received orders exceeding 5,000 FPV kamikaze striker drones from multiple defence forces, reflecting growing operational confidence in its combat-proven unmanned systems. These include defence explosive–integrated platforms and kamikaze FPV explosive configurations designed for precision strike and other mission-critical applications, underscoring IG Defence’s evolution into a trusted indigenous supplier of frontline unmanned combat technologies.

The new Odisha facility will further strengthen IG Defence’s national production network and support the scaling of reliable, Made-in-India unmanned systems to meet the evolving operational requirements of India’s armed forces, while enabling compliant exports that support regional security partnerships.

Speaking on the approval, Maj Gen R C Padhi,Senior Vice President, IG Defence “This approval from the Government of Odisha reinforces the trust placed in IG Defence within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. The facility is a strategic step towards strengthening indigenous production and ensuring assured, scalable supply of mission-critical systems. It reflects our long-term commitment to building defence infrastructure that supports real operational requirements of the armed forces.”

With the Odisha government approving ₹4,111.80 crore worth of industrial investments in this round, the state continues to strengthen its position as a destination for next-generation manufacturing. IG Defence’s investment adds momentum to Odisha’s aerospace and defence ecosystem and supports India’s broader objective of building a resilient, self-reliant defence manufacturing base under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

IG Drones Secures India’s First Patent for Defence Drone Simulator, Fulfilling PM Modi’s Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

In a historic stride towards India's technological sovereignty and defence self-reliance, IG Drones has been granted the patent for the nation’s first indigenous defence drone simulator—a monumental achievement in India's march towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Originally unveiled by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Defence Expo 2022, this simulator now stands as a beacon of India’s homegrown defence excellence—a proud symbol of Bharatiya innovation, capability, and resolve.

Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely on Indian soil, this next-generation simulator provides high-fidelity, realistic training for the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces—empowering our soldiers to master combat drone operations in simulated high-risk environments, including GPS-denied zones and multi-drone missions.

Built with state-of-the-art AI, physics-based engines, and real-time terrain dynamics, the simulator eliminates dependence on foreign systems, offering a secure, cost-effective, and fully Indian alternative. This isn’t just a product—it is a strategic force multiplier that strengthens the hands of our warriors and honours the spirit of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Vigyan’.

“This patent is a proud declaration of India’s technological resurgence,” said Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi ji, we are not just building products—we are building the future of Bharat’s defence. This Made-in-India drone simulator is a salute to our nation’s armed forces, scientists, and innovators.”

With this patent, IG Drones becomes the first Indian company to receive intellectual property rights for a drone simulator platform—a domain previously dominated by foreign entities. The achievement signals India’s growing confidence in designing world-class indigenous defence solutions, perfectly aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.

Already a trusted partner of the Indian Armed Forces, IG Drones played a critical role in Operation Sindoor, deploying indigenously built VTOL, FPV, and kamikaze drones for strategic surveillance, mapping, and targeted strikes—reinforcing its reputation as a Bharatiya defence tech pioneer.

At a time when the world is watching India’s rise, this patent showcases the power of Indian intellect, Indian industry, and Indian intent. It is a clarion call to the youth, the soldiers, and the scientists of this great nation—that India can build, lead, and win with its own might.

Bharat is not just participating in the future of warfare—we are shaping it. On our terms. With our technology. And with the Tricolour held high.

IG Drones is a leading drone technology company specializing in advanced defense and industrial solutions. Driven by innovation, it has established itself as a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of industries and national defense. At the forefront of industry-first breakthroughs, IG Drones is revolutionizing the sector with 5G-enabled drones and Made-in-India manufacturing. With AI-powered solutions, the company enhances drone applications across defense and industry. Founded by Bodhisattwa and Om Prakash and headquartered in Noida, IG Drones exemplifies industrial leadership in drone technology and innovation in India.

IG Drones & VoxelSensors Join Forces to Elevate UAV Navigation in GPS-Denied Zones

IG Drones, a leading Indian drone technology company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Belgian DeepTech pioneer VoxelSensors to integrate next-generation 3D perception systems into its UAV platforms. This partnership is set to transform how drones navigate and operate in GPS-denied and visually complex environments, such as dense forests, urban infrastructure zones, tunnels, and industrial interiors.

At the heart of this partnership lies the integration of VoxelSensors’ SPAES (Streaming Perception for AI Enhanced Systems) technology—renowned for its ultra-low latency and high-precision spatial sensing—with IG Drones’ fleet of intelligent unmanned aerial vehicles. The result is a new generation of drones with advanced environmental awareness, enhanced obstacle avoidance, and higher-fidelity mapping capabilities for infrastructure inspection, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and smart city applications.

Mr Paneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, welcomed the announcement, stating, “This partnership between IG Drones and VoxelSensors marks a significant step forward in the evolution of autonomous aerial technology. By combining India’s deep-rooted commitment to scalable drone solutions with VoxelSensors’ cutting-edge 3D spatial intelligence, we are witnessing the kind of global cooperation that advances innovation in a responsible, civilian-first manner. MeitY supports such collaborations that not only strengthen India’s digital and industrial capabilities but also foster meaningful international partnerships aligned with sustainable and high-impact technological progress.”

“This collaboration truly marks a new chapter for us,” said Mr Sambit Parida, Chief Technology Officer at IG Drones. “By embedding VoxelSensors’ breakthrough 3D sensing technologies into our systems, we’re enabling smarter, safer, and more autonomous drone operations. These capabilities are vital for civilian missions where situational complexity and safety demand real-time perception and adaptive decision-making. We remain committed to our vision of delivering cutting-edge, indigenous drone technologies aligned with India’s broader digital and infrastructure goals.”

The partnership comes at a time when IG Drones is expanding rapidly, with over 200 drones deployed in FY25, a 330% jump in revenue, and the rollout of 50 Drone Centres of Excellence in collaboration with AICTE across India. As the demand for intelligent drone systems increases across sectors—from disaster management to industrial inspection—IG Drones is positioning itself to meet the challenge through global technology collaborations that fuse precision with performance.

Mr Andre Miodezky, President of VoxelSensors, also commented on the partnership: “We’re excited to join forces with IG Drones to bring our sensing innovation into practical, high-impact use cases. Our SPAES technology provides real-time depth perception and motion awareness that empowers UAVs to function reliably, even in visually complex and dynamic environments. This partnership bridges European innovation with India’s drone ecosystem, and together we’re helping shape the future of aerial intelligence.”

Both companies share a commitment to sustainability, safety, and scalability in autonomous systems. By combining VoxelSensors' advanced 3D sensor suite with IG Drones' versatile drone platforms, the collaboration aims to redefine operational efficiency in industries such as energy, infrastructure, urban planning, environmental conservation, and public safety.

This strategic alliance underscores IG Drones’ ongoing journey to become a global leader in unmanned aerial solutions—while reaffirming that innovation, when grounded in collaboration, can push the boundaries of what's possible across borders and industries.

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.

India’s First Drone CoE Launched in Odisha by MP Sujeet Kumar Under SAGY, in Collaboration with IG Drones to Uplift Tribal Youth

In a groundbreaking development, Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar established India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in partnership with leading Drone Technology company IG Drones.

MP Sujeet Kumar

Located in the Gram Panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar in Odisha's Kalahandi district, these centers represent a significant leap toward empowering tribal youth and women through advanced skill development in drone technology. This is the first time that such centers of excellence have been launched under the flagship scheme by the Central Government, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to drive inclusive rural development.

Adopted by MP Sujeet Kumar under the SAGY initiative—Sagada and Bhatangpadar villages have undergone remarkable transformations. By allocating ₹10 lakhs from his MPLADS fund, Kumar has brought cutting-edge technological education to these underserved areas, aligning with the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative also supports the Prime Minister’s Drone Policy, which envisions a significant expansion of drone operations in India, from 27,000 to over one lakh.

MP Sujeet Kumar, speaking about the initiative, highlighted its transformative potential.

The Drone Centres of Excellence are a testament to the power of technology in driving equitable development. By equipping tribal youth and women with cutting-edge skills, we are opening up opportunities that were once out of reach and ensuring their participation in India’s digital economy. This futuristic step was possible with the support of IG Drones which are establishing such centers of excellence in other parts of the country as well.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO, IG Drones, said:

We are happy to take yet another step in empowering the tribal youth and highlighting Odisha as a drone hub at a national level. These centers aim to provide specialized training to rural students and unemployed youth, preparing them for roles as drone pilots and technicians. As the drone industry in India continues to expand rapidly, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector.

The centers also create pathways for employment by facilitating placements through IG Drones’ expertise and partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Reflecting MP Kumar’s focus on holistic development, the Drone CoEs place a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. By integrating Prime Minister Modi’s “Drone Didis” initiative, these centers equip women to use drone technology in agriculture and other applications, fostering economic independence and breaking traditional gender barriers. This approach not only enhances their employability but also positions them as key contributors to India’s technological advancement.

In addition to empowering women, the centers address systemic unemployment in tribal regions by equipping youth with future-ready skills. Aligned with the National Education Policy’s focus on STEM education, the CoEs spark interest in technology among schoolchildren while bridging the rural-urban divide in access to advanced learning. By introducing drone technology to tribal regions, the initiative ensures equitable access to opportunities, in keeping with the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” agenda.

The establishment of these centers comes at a pivotal moment for India’s drone industry. With applications in agriculture, logistics, defense, and infrastructure, the sector is not only driving innovation but also creating significant employment opportunities. This initiative by MP Sujeet Kumar and IG Drones ensures that tribal youth are well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from the sector’s growth, transforming Kalahandi into a hub of skill development and technological progress.

For IG Drones, a leader in drone technology and innovation, this partnership underscores their commitment to using technology for societal good. Based in Noida, IG Drones specializes in Made-in-India drone solutions powered by AI, and its collaboration with MP Kumar reflects its dedication to advancing India’s technological self-reliance.

The Drone CoEs in Sagada and Bhatangpadar marks a new chapter in rural empowerment. By bridging technological divides, fostering gender inclusivity, and addressing unemployment, this initiative sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships in advancing national priorities. It serves as a model for leveraging innovation to uplift marginalized communities and positions India as a global leader in drone technology-driven development.

IG Drones Secures Contract with Indian Army for VTOL and FPV Drones Made in India

Amid rising security concerns and evolving drone warfare tactics, IG Drones has solidified its position as a trusted technology partner for India’s defense forces by securing a significant contract with the Indian Army. The order includes the supply of IG Drones’ indigenously developed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and FPV (First-Person View) drones, designed to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities while addressing national security concerns surrounding the use of foreign components in critical defense systems.

The decision to prioritize domestically developed drone technology comes at a time when the Indian Army faces mounting security threats along international borders. Recent incidents, such as the hijacking of an Indian Army drone near the Pakistan border, have underscored the urgent need for reliable, indigenously manufactured platforms free from Chinese-origin components, which could compromise national security. As of August 2024, India had 398 drone startups, doubling in three years, surpassing China's 298. However, a recent Indian Army drone hijacking near the Pakistan border has raised security concerns, highlighting the need for certified, reliable companies to provide secure solutions.

India’s defense strategy is increasingly dependent on cutting-edge drone technology to counter challenges in high-altitude terrains, border surveillance, and rapid response operations. IG Drones’ VTOL systems are tailored for operations in extreme environments, offering unparalleled flexibility by enabling vertical take-off and landing in areas where runways are unavailable, such as mountainous regions and urban conflict zones.

The FPV drones, on the other hand, bring a real-time, first-person perspective to tactical reconnaissance, enabling precise intelligence gathering while keeping personnel out of harm’s way. These drones are particularly suited for urban warfare, search-and-rescue missions, and counter-infiltration efforts.

As part of the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Indian Army has prioritized procuring equipment that aligns with the country’s vision for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. IG Drones has responded to this call by ensuring its platforms are free from Chinese components, addressing concerns over potential data security vulnerabilities.

Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, remarked:

This contract reflects the Indian Army’s trust in our ability to deliver secure, world-class drone systems. By integrating indigenous innovation with advanced capabilities, we aim to empower the armed forces to meet modern security challenges head-on. With this, we have global aspirations to take drone ecosystem and 5-G enabled drone solutions to another level. We are committed to our forces’ determination for ensuring fool-proof security and surveillance along the borders.

Expressing his views, Major General RC Padhi, Senior VP (R&D), IG Drones, said —

The procurement of these indigenously developed drones is a significant step toward bolstering our operational capabilities amid evolving security challenges. These advanced drone systems, tailored for high-altitude and tactical operations, will play a pivotal role in ensuring reliable surveillance, precise intelligence gathering, and enhanced border security. This partnership underscores our commitment to embracing Made-in-India solutions for a self-reliant and secure defense ecosystem.

The Indian drone market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing demand across sectors like defense, agriculture, and logistics. Government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti scheme and a ban on the import of drones have further accelerated the adoption of indigenous technology. Recent data reveals that India now hosts over 390 drone startups, a figure that has more than doubled in the past three years, showcasing the sector’s potential.

With this new contract, IG Drones not only strengthens its relationship with the Indian Army but also sets a benchmark for the role of homegrown technology in bolstering national security. By aligning its efforts with India’s vision for self-reliance and innovation, the company underscores the importance of indigenous solutions in addressing the country’s evolving defense needs.

The Indian drone market is expected to reach $13 Bn in size by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21% between 2022 and 2030. In terms of volume, drone units are projected to increase from 10,803 in 2024 to 61,393 by 2029. This rapid expansion is fueled by growing demand across sectors such as agriculture, defense, and e-commerce.

About IG Drones

IG Drones is a leading drone technology company specializing in advanced defense and industrial solutions. Driven by innovation, it has established itself as a pioneer in delivering cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of industries and national defense. At the forefront of industry-first breakthroughs, IG Drones is revolutionizing the sector with 5G-enabled drones and Made-in-India manufacturing. With AI-powered solutions, the company enhances drone applications across defense and industry. Founded by Bodhisattwa and Om Prakash and headquartered in Noida, IG Drones exemplifies industrial leadership in drone technology and innovation in India.

IG Drones’ ‘AgriDrone’ Solution Leveraging 5G Connectivity Wins Prestigious Hackathon by Govt of India

IG Drones Wins Prestigious 5G & Beyond Hackathon by Govt of India

• IG Drones, India’s First 5G drone maker is revolutionizing agriculture with its cutting-edge 5G technology. The company’s innovative product- AgriDrone delivers unparalleled capabilities, including rapid and reliable data transfer using 5G technology, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere.

IG Drones, India’s leading drone technology company, which has been using 5G technology through its innovative drone solutions, has achieved yet another milestone by winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon 2024, organized by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The hackathon, which is an esteemed initiative by the Government, is aimed at identifying and promoting innovative applications of 5G technology tailored for India. It witnessed participation from the country’s brightest minds and most forward-thinking companies. IG Drones’ ‘AgriDrone’ solution, leveraging 5G connectivity to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector, has set a new benchmark of using the 5G technology in this sector.

As India’s first 5G drone manufacturer, IG Drones showcased its AgriDrone solution at the hackathon, the results of which were announced in December 2024. The advanced drone delivers unparalleled capabilities using 5G technology, including rapid and reliable data transfer, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere.

At the heart of IG Drones’ achievement lies its commitment to leveraging 5G technology for groundbreaking advancements. 5G’s unparalleled speed, ultra-low latency, and high connectivity enable seamless data transmission, real-time decision-making, and remote operational control, redefining the way drones interact with cloud-based platforms. These capabilities have immense potential for industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management, enabling precise monitoring, rapid data analysis, and actionable insights from virtually anywhere.

Ashish Jena, Co-Founder & Chief of Products at IG Drones, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement: “Winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon is a testament to IG Drones’ relentless pursuit of innovation. By integrating 5G technology into our AgriDrone solution, we are not only advancing agriculture but also setting new benchmarks for the drone industry. This accomplishment underscores our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scalable, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.”

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones, emphasized the broader implications of this success, adding, “As India’s first 5G drone maker, we are proud to pioneer technological advancements that drive progress in critical sectors like agriculture. This achievement highlights the potential of 5G to transform industries, and we are committed to leading this transformation. We extend our gratitude to the DoT for this platform and to our partners and team for their unwavering support and dedication.”

The AgriDrone’s enhanced communication capabilities ensure seamless data transmission, utilizing 5G’s high-speed connectivity to facilitate rapid and reliable data transfer between the drone and cloud-based platforms, enabling faster decision-making.

The integration of 5G technology allows for real-time monitoring of agricultural fields, offering precise insights and facilitating timely interventions. Additionally, farmers and operators can now control the drone’s functions remotely, ensuring operations are efficient and accessible from anywhere. This innovative approach addresses key issues such as crop health monitoring, pest control, and yield optimization, transforming the agricultural landscape in India.

The 5G & Beyond Hackathon aligns with the Government of India’s vision of fostering innovation and self-reliance in technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. IG Drones’ accomplishment not only underscores the transformative power of 5G but also positions the company as a leader in driving India’s technological advancements.

The India Drone Market is projected to grow from USD 654 Million in 2024 to USD 1,437 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period. When it comes to agriculture, drones are transforming the sector in India through innovations in crop monitoring, precision farming, and resource management. They enable early issue detection, efficient pesticide and fertilizer application, precise water usage, and livestock monitoring, while reducing farmers' exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, drones help minimize environmental impacts and lower input costs. Government initiatives, including subsidies, rental schemes, and training programs, further promote the adoption of agriculture, and empower farmers with advanced technology to boost productivity and sustainability. Notably, IG Drones has also established Centers of Excellence (COEs) across educational institutes like IIMs to provide drone related training and upskilling across sectors.

About IG Drones

Founded with a vision to revolutionize industries through drone technology, IG Drones is India’s leading drone manufacturing and solutions company. Known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, IG Drones specializes in developing drones that address critical challenges across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management.

Drone Center of Excellence Established By IG Drones and ESSCI; 10 Million Youth to Be Trained With Cutting Edge Drone Technology

Representative Image

An MoU was signed between Electronics Sector Skill Council of India (ESSCI) and IG Drones to establish a 'Drone Center of Excellence' at ESSCI aligned with the terms laid by the newly drafted National Education Policy that has widened the scope for imparting knowledge related to Drone Technology under Vocational Courses for different age groups. NEP believes in including demand-based courses related to Drones as a Vocational subject to broaden the horizons for young children, facilitating their growth & improvement.

Under this MoU, both the parties agreed upon enhancing the training infrastructure of the institute with a common goal to make the future generations of the nation, skilled and capable enough to cope up with the rapid technological advancements.

According to a January 2020 PwC report, India is said to be the fastest-growing drone market in the world and is predicted to mushroom to $885 million by 2021. It is also expected to reach $1,810 million by FY 2026, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.61 per cent.

Recent research by the global market intelligence and advisory firm BIS, also stated that the Indian drone market is expected to reach $1.21 billion by the end of 2021.

From surveillance to spreading awareness, disaster management to aiding search efforts, the Central Government has increasingly started deploying Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) a.k.a. drones to facilitate better governance. During the peak of the pandemic, drones have played a crucial role in controlling the situation in different ways.

Mr Om Prakash Das, Co-founder, IG Drones, Says --

The Center of Excellence will be powered by a High-End workstation along with Industry Standard Relevant Softwares to give a first-hand experience of drone flying and field training with safety gears. We also aim at providing performance-based placement support to the trained pilots.

Thus, it's important to educate the Indian youth with Drone Technology to empower them with essential knowledge and resources. The Center of Excellence is the best method to do this. By collaborating with technical institutes like ESSCI across the nation, the Drone CoE facilitates training the youth on how to manufacture drones and later use them for inspection, survey, monitoring and other purposes. The CoE plays a major role in enhancing industrial awareness among students and also provides placement opportunities in the same field, besides equipping them with valuable skills.

IG Drones is one of India’s leading Enterprise Drone Solution providers for drone surveying, mapping & inspection by industry experts. Partnered with multiple State Governments & 30 of the biggest PSU’s & MNC’s, they have executed more than 150 Projects. They're present all over the country starting from the head office at Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and branch offices at Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Delhi & Guwahati (Assam).

Aligned with the government missions, Skill India & Atma Nirbhar Bharat, it has taken on the responsibility of training and enhancing the abilities of India's youth, preparing them for the oncoming Industrial 4.0 Revolution. The Drone Centre of Excellence (CoE) by IG Drones is a programme aimed at skilling over 10 million students about the newest drone technologies.

Er. Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, Head Skill Development and Board Member, IG Drones seems hopeful about the collaboration.

With the increasing demand for drones in India in various fields, drone technology has become the primary key to the nation's development. Thus, this collaboration of IG Drones with the allied sectors in India seems to have a bright, promising future ahead. I'm sure, it's going to open up new opportunities in Product Development, opening up in numerous paths in the field of Research & Analysis in India.

IG Drones COE - 

It is an educational arm of one of India's leading drone enterprise solution providers IG Drones headquarter in Delhi. IG Drones COE aims to train and upskill the youth for the future of drone technology to make them industry ready and empower India's drone ecosystem with advanced drone technology skilled resourcing Drones has offices across 7 locations and has executed 150+ projects across 22+ states in India in 13 different industries.