Top 10 Drone Startups in India: Explore the leading drone startups reshaping industries with innovative UAV technologies. From aerial cinematography to industrial inspections, these companies like IdeaForge and Skylark Drones are driving innovation in agriculture, defense, and beyond.
India’s drone industry is burgeoning, driven by technological advancements and increasing applications across various sectors such as agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and healthcare. This article highlights the top 10 drone startups in India, showcasing their innovative solutions, contributions, and impact on the industry.
Table of Contents
1. IdeaForge
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, Rahul Singh |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Specialization | UAVs for defense and industrial applications |
| Key Technology | Indigenous UAV technology |
| User Base | Defense, homeland security, industrial sectors |
| Services Offered | NETRA series, SWITCH UAV |
| Funding | $15 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Indian Armed Forces, DRDO |
| Revenue | ₹100 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Frost & Sullivan Award, Global Aerospace Summit |
| Mission | Develop cutting-edge UAV solutions for critical sectors |
| Impact | Enhanced surveillance and security capabilities |
| Core Values | Innovation, Reliability, Excellence |
IdeaForge, founded in 2007 by Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, and Rahul Singh, is a Mumbai-based startup specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defense and industrial applications. The company’s flagship products, the NETRA series and SWITCH UAV, are known for their advanced technology and reliability. IdeaForge has secured significant funding and collaborations with the Indian Armed Forces and DRDO, enabling it to enhance surveillance and security capabilities across critical sectors. The startup’s mission is to develop cutting-edge UAV solutions that ensure innovation, reliability, and excellence.
2. Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Vipul Singh, Suhas Banshiwala, Yeshwanth Reddy |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Specialization | Drones for surveying and mapping |
| Key Technology | Photogrammetry, LiDAR |
| User Base | Agriculture, mining, infrastructure |
| Services Offered | Survey-grade drones, data analytics |
| Funding | $7 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Syngenta, Tata Steel |
| Revenue | ₹30 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Best Startup Award at Geospatial World Forum |
| Mission | Revolutionize surveying and mapping with drone technology |
| Impact | Increased efficiency and accuracy in surveying |
| Core Values | Innovation, Precision, Sustainability |
Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS), founded in 2013 by Vipul Singh, Suhas Banshiwala, and Yeshwanth Reddy, is a Bengaluru-based startup that specializes in drones for surveying and mapping. The company’s technology, including photogrammetry and LiDAR, enhances the efficiency and accuracy of surveying in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and infrastructure. AUS has secured funding and collaborations with industry leaders like Syngenta and Tata Steel. The startup’s mission is to revolutionize surveying and mapping with drone technology, driving innovation, precision, and sustainability.
3. Skylark Drones
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Pankhuri Kumar, Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Specialization | Drone-based data analytics |
| Key Technology | AI, machine learning, cloud computing |
| User Base | Agriculture, construction, energy |
| Services Offered | Data analytics platform, survey drones |
| Funding | $6 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Tata Steel, Adani Group |
| Revenue | ₹25 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | National Startup Awards, Forbes 30 Under 30 |
| Mission | Transform industries through actionable drone data |
| Impact | Improved decision-making and operational efficiency |
| Core Values | Innovation, Data Integrity, Client Success |
Skylark Drones, founded in 2014 by Pankhuri Kumar and Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy, is a Bengaluru-based startup that provides drone-based data analytics solutions. The company’s AI, machine learning, and cloud computing technologies enable industries such as agriculture, construction, and energy to make data-driven decisions. Skylark Drones has secured funding and collaborations with major industry players like Tata Steel and the Adani Group. The startup’s mission is to transform industries through actionable drone data, driving innovation, data integrity, and client success.
4. Detect Technologies
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Tarun Mishra, Abhishek Sinha |
| Headquarters | Chennai |
| Specialization | Industrial inspections using drones |
| Key Technology | AI, machine learning, IoT |
| User Base | Oil & gas, power, infrastructure |
| Services Offered | Inspection drones, AI-driven analytics |
| Funding | $12 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Shell, Tata Group |
| Revenue | ₹40 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Economic Times Startup Awards, Nasscom Emerge 50 |
| Mission | Enhance industrial safety and efficiency with advanced tech |
| Impact | Reduced downtime and improved safety in industries |
| Core Values | Innovation, Safety, Efficiency |
Detect Technologies, founded in 2016 by Tarun Mishra and Abhishek Sinha, is a Chennai-based startup that specializes in industrial inspections using drones. The company’s AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies provide comprehensive inspection and analytics solutions for sectors such as oil & gas, power, and infrastructure. Detect Technologies has secured funding and collaborations with industry giants like Shell and Tata Group. The startup’s mission is to enhance industrial safety and efficiency with advanced technology, driving innovation, safety, and efficiency.
5. Asteria Aerospace
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Nihar Vartak, Neel Mehta |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Specialization | UAV manufacturing and services |
| Key Technology | AI-powered drones, data analytics |
| User Base | Defense, agriculture, infrastructure |
| Services Offered | Surveillance drones, agriculture monitoring |
| Funding | $10 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Indian Armed Forces, DRDO |
| Revenue | ₹40 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Best Startup in Aerospace & Defense, Forbes 30 Under 30 |
| Mission | Develop reliable and efficient UAV solutions |
| Impact | Enhanced surveillance capabilities |
| Core Values | Innovation, Reliability, Excellence |
Asteria Aerospace, founded in 2011 by Nihar Vartak and Neel Mehta, is a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in UAV manufacturing and services. The company’s AI-powered drones and advanced data analytics capabilities cater to defense, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. Asteria Aerospace has garnered significant funding and notable collaborations with the Indian Armed Forces and DRDO, enhancing its capabilities in surveillance and agriculture monitoring. The startup is recognized for its innovation in aerospace and defense, receiving accolades such as Best Startup in Aerospace & Defense and inclusion in Forbes 30 Under 30. Asteria Aerospace continues to focus on developing reliable and efficient UAV solutions, driven by its core values of innovation, reliability, and excellence.
6. TechEagle Innovations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Vikram Singh Meena |
| Headquarters | Lucknow |
| Specialization | Drone delivery systems |
| Key Technology | Long-range drones, autonomous navigation |
| User Base | Healthcare, logistics |
| Services Offered | Drone-based delivery solutions |
| Funding | $1 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Zomato, IIT Kanpur |
| Revenue | ₹5 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | India Innovation Growth Programme |
| Mission | Revolutionize delivery services with drone technology |
| Impact | Faster and more efficient delivery systems |
| Core Values | Innovation, Efficiency, Sustainability |
TechEagle Innovations, founded in 2015 by Vikram Singh Meena, is a Lucknow-based startup that specializes in drone delivery systems. The company’s long-range drones and autonomous navigation technology enable efficient delivery solutions for sectors like healthcare and logistics. TechEagle has secured funding and collaborations with entities such as Zomato and IIT Kanpur. The startup’s mission is to revolutionize delivery services with drone technology, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
7. Sagar Defence Engineering
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | Nikunj Parashar, Rahul Singh, Rishikesh Magar |
| Headquarters | Navi Mumbai |
| Specialization | Marine drones and unmanned systems |
| Key Technology | Autonomous navigation, AI |
| User Base | Defense, maritime security |
| Services Offered | Marine surveillance drones |
| Funding | $3 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Indian Navy, Coast Guard |
| Revenue | ₹20 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Defence Innovation Award |
| Mission | Enhance maritime security and surveillance |
| Impact | Improved maritime operational efficiency |
| Core Values | Innovation, Security, Reliability |
Sagar Defence Engineering, founded in 2015 by Nikunj Parashar, Rahul Singh, and Rishikesh Magar, is a Navi Mumbai-based startup that focuses on marine drones and unmanned systems. The company’s autonomous navigation and AI technologies provide advanced surveillance solutions for defense and maritime security. Sagar Defence has secured funding and collaborations with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The startup’s mission is to enhance maritime security and surveillance, driving innovation, security, and reliability.
8. Throttle Aerospace Systems
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founder | Shreeram Ananthakrishnan |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Specialization | Commercial and industrial drones |
| Key Technology | IoT, data analytics |
| User Base | Agriculture, infrastructure |
| Services Offered | Survey drones, inspection drones |
| Funding | $2 million |
| Notable Collaborations | NITI Aayog, HAL |
| Revenue | ₹10 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Best Drone Startup |
| Mission | Provide innovative drone solutions for various industries |
| Impact | Enhanced operational efficiency and data accuracy |
| Core Values | Innovation, Precision, Client Satisfaction |
Throttle Aerospace Systems, founded in 2016 by Shreeram Ananthakrishnan, is a Bengaluru-based startup that specializes in commercial and industrial drones. The company’s IoT and data analytics technologies offer advanced survey and inspection solutions for sectors like agriculture and infrastructure. Throttle Aerospace has secured funding and collaborations with entities such as NITI Aayog and HAL. The startup’s mission is to provide innovative drone solutions for various industries, driving innovation, precision, and client satisfaction.
9. Quidich Innovation Labs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Gaurav Mehta, Aakash Saini |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Specialization | Aerial cinematography and live broadcasting |
| Key Technology | High-definition cameras, AI |
| User Base | Media, entertainment |
| Services Offered | Drone filming, live event coverage |
| Funding | $1.5 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Star Sports, Red Bull |
| Revenue | ₹8 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | Best Startup for Innovation in Media |
| Mission | Transform media production with drone technology |
| Impact | Enhanced visual storytelling and event coverage |
| Core Values | Innovation, Creativity, Excellence |
Quidich Innovation Labs, founded in 2013 by Gaurav Mehta and Aakash Saini, is a Mumbai-based startup that specializes in aerial cinematography and live broadcasting. The company’s high-definition cameras and AI technologies provide advanced drone filming and live event coverage solutions for the media and entertainment industries. Quidich has secured funding and collaborations with major players like Star Sports and Red Bull. The startup’s mission is to transform media production with drone technology, driving innovation, creativity, and excellence.
10. Redwing Labs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Anshul Sharma, Kundan Kumar |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Specialization | Drone delivery for healthcare |
| Key Technology | Autonomous navigation, long-range drones |
| User Base | Healthcare, logistics |
| Services Offered | Medical supply delivery |
| Funding | $2.5 million |
| Notable Collaborations | Government of Telangana, Apollo Hospitals |
| Revenue | ₹3 crore (FY21) |
| Awards | National Startup Awards, India Health Summit |
| Mission | Revolutionize healthcare delivery with drones |
| Impact | Improved access to medical supplies in remote areas |
| Core Values | Innovation, Accessibility, Reliability |
Redwing Labs, founded in 2018 by Anshul Sharma and Kundan Kumar, is a Bengaluru-based startup that specializes in drone delivery for healthcare. The company’s autonomous navigation and long-range drone technologies enable efficient medical supply delivery, improving access to healthcare in remote areas. Redwing Labs has secured funding and collaborations with the Government of Telangana and Apollo Hospitals. The startup’s mission is to revolutionize healthcare delivery with drone technology, driving innovation, accessibility, and reliability.
FAQs on TOP 10 DRONE STARTUPS IN INDIA
1. What are the main applications of drones in India?
Drones in India are used in various sectors such as agriculture, logistics, surveillance, healthcare, and media for applications like surveying, mapping, delivery, inspection, and aerial cinematography.
2. How do drone startups contribute to different industries?
Drone startups contribute to different industries by providing advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency, data accuracy, and decision-making. They offer innovative solutions for surveying, mapping, delivery, inspection, and media production.
3. What technologies are commonly used by drone startups?
Common technologies used by drone startups include AI, IoT, machine learning, autonomous navigation, high-definition cameras, and data analytics. These technologies improve the performance, efficiency, and capabilities of drones.
4. How do drone startups collaborate with other organizations?
Drone startups collaborate with government agencies, corporations, research institutions, and international organizations to expand their reach, enhance their technological capabilities, and implement large-scale projects. These collaborations often involve funding, research, and joint initiatives.
5. What challenges do drone startups face in India?
Challenges faced by drone startups in India include securing funding, navigating regulatory environments, scaling their technologies, creating market awareness, and ensuring safety and privacy. Despite these challenges, many startups continue to innovate and make significant contributions to various industries.
6. How can businesses benefit from partnering with drone startups?
Businesses can benefit from partnering with drone startups by adopting innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance data accuracy, and meet regulatory requirements. These partnerships can also help businesses achieve their strategic goals and improve their market competitiveness.
7. What is the future outlook for drone startups in India?
The future outlook for drone startups in India is promising, with increasing demand for drone-based solutions across various industries. Continued innovation, government support, and strategic partnerships are expected to drive growth and development in the drone sector.
Conclusion
India’s drone startups are at the forefront of the country’s technological advancements, driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors. With cutting-edge technologies, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to excellence, these startups are shaping the future of industries such as agriculture, logistics, surveillance, healthcare, and media. Their contributions are vital in enhancing operational efficiency, data accuracy, and decision-making. As the drone market continues to grow, these startups will play a key role in driving the adoption of drone technologies and promoting a sustainable future for India and the world.
