In a significant step towards bolstering the Indian drone industry, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has launched the UDAAN, UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking, program in partnership with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Center. This initiative, supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Drone Federation of India, aims to accelerate the growth of drone startups in the country by providing them with the necessary expertise, resources, and support to scale their businesses and meet market demands.
The UDAAN program will select 20 promising drone startups each year, divided into two cohorts. These startups will be housed at SIIC, IIT Kanpur, where they will have access to a wide range of resources, including technical support, mentorship, financing, and state-of-the-art R&D facilities. By providing these startups with a nurturing environment and the tools they need to succeed, the program aims to foster innovation and drive the growth of the Indian UAV industry.
Professor Ankush Sharma, the head of SIIC, emphasized the importance of the UDAAN program in providing drone startups with access to world-class mentorship and resources. He believes that this initiative will play a crucial role in the development and advancement of the Indian drone sector, enabling startups to enhance their technical capabilities and become market-ready.
In addition to technical support, the UDAAN program will offer startups strategic guidance in areas such as product development, business development, market analysis, alliance building, and growth plan development. This comprehensive approach ensures that the selected startups receive the necessary support to navigate the challenges of the competitive drone industry and position themselves for success.
One of the key advantages of the collaboration between SIIC and IIT Kanpur is the access to best-in-class testing facilities at the drone Center of Excellence. Startups participating in the UDAAN program will have the opportunity to utilize cutting-edge infrastructure, including the Helicopter and VTOL lab and the National Wind Tunnel Facility. These facilities will enable startups to rigorously test and refine their drone technologies, ensuring the development of high-quality and reliable products.
To further incentivize innovation and growth, the top six startups in each cohort will receive fellowship support of Rs 3 lakh per year. This financial assistance will provide startups with the resources they need to focus on research and development, accelerate their progress, and bring their innovative ideas to fruition.
Interested startups must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate in the UDAAN program. They should be registered as startups with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and have an annual turnover of less than ₹3 crore. Additionally, the startups must be actively working in the drone industry, focusing on areas such as design, testing, and technical consultancy. The application window for the program is open until June 20, providing ample time for eligible startups to submit their proposals.
With the Indian drone market expected to reach a staggering $13 billion by 2030, initiatives like the UDAAN program are crucial in nurturing the growth of the domestic drone industry. By providing startups with the necessary support, resources, and expertise, IIT Kanpur and SIIC are paving the way for India to become a global leader in drone technology and innovation.
