Apollo Hospitals, a prominent healthcare organisation, has apparently teamed up with TechEagle, a drone startup, to introduce a 10-minute diagnostic drone delivery service. The hospital chain operator will use TechEagle’s AI-powered autonomous drones to deliver liquid biopsy samples—which are essential for detecting cancer—from collection centres to diagnostic labs in less than ten minutes, according to a media report. According to reports, Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of Apollo Hospitals, introduced the new service during a function in New Delhi. According to the study, the product aims to solve significant delays in diagnosis and treatment by delivering samples in a quicker, safer, and more effective manner. Vikram Singh Meena, cofounder and CEO of TechEagle, commented on the collaboration, saying that Apollo Hospitals uses TechEagle’s AI-powered drones to guarantee that liquid biopsy samples, which are crucial for early cancer detection, arrive at labs in ten minutes. The healthcare sector should have the same speed and efficiency as consumer logistics, and the partnerships that make that possible are essential.
Drone can be a Real Game Changer in the Healthcare Sector
According to reports, Reddy claimed that drone-based healthcare delivery had proven effective in African countries. Drones can be utilised for a variety of purposes, including emergency medical deliveries and the transportation of organs. Healthcare is going to be safer, quicker, and more effective in the future. TechEagle, a drone logistics firm founded in 2017 by Meena and Anshu Abhishek, both of whom are graduates of IIT Kanpur, provides its customers with on-demand autonomous drone delivery. The Vertiplane X3, its flagship model, is said to have a 100 km single-flight range, a 5 kg cargo capacity, and a top speed of 120 km/h.
TechEagle Focuses on Last-Mile Logistics in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas
TechEagle mainly works in the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations market, concentrating on last-mile logistics in urban and semi-urban settings. The firm raised an unknown amount of money in a round co-led by Inflection Point Ventures and Navam Capital in May 2024. According to TechEagle, it has provided services to organisations like the World Bank, Swiggy, Vodafone-Idea (Vi), AIIMS, and several state governments thus far. The development coincides with positive advancements in the drone technology sector in India. A day ago, DroneAcharya, a publicly traded drone manufacturer, obtained type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for their multifunctional drone, AgriVeer. IdeaForge, another publicly traded drone technology business, stated earlier this month that it will invest $1.83 million to purchase a minority share in Vantage Robotics, a US-based UAV manufacturer. Dreamfly Innovations, a Bengaluru-based company that provides drone battery solutions, raised $1.4 million in its seed round, which was headed by Avaana Capital, in February alone.
In this interaction with StartupTalky, Satyabrata Satapathy, CEO and Co-Founder of BonV Aero, talks about how the company is revolutionising defense, logistics, and disaster management with its drones. He talks about BonV Aero’s mission to provide aerial mobility solutions through local manufacturing, focusing on sustainability and high-altitude capabilities. Satapathy also discusses their success stories, including breaking world records, and shares his insights on the future of the drone industry in India.
StartupTalky: What is BonV Aero’s mission, and how does the company aim to impact defense, logistics, and disaster management?
Mr. Satapathy: Our mission is to produce high-quality, safe, and reliable products with a focus on indigenous manufacturing adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality. We would want to bring Arial Mobility Solutions to these sectors.
StartupTalky: What problems does BonV Aero’s drone technology solve in defense, logistics, and disaster management?
Mr. Satapathy: BonV Aero was established to address the challenges faced in transporting logistics to remote and high-altitude areas, particularly in difficult terrains such as borderfront areas and during disaster situations. Traditional methods such as using mules and porters posed risks to human life, especially in high-altitude regions.
With our logistic drones capable of carrying payloads of up to 50 kg and flying at altitudes above 16000 ft, we aimed to provide a safe and efficient solution for the Indian Army and other stakeholders operating in similar environments. The need for reliable, versatile, and efficient logistics transport in challenging terrains and disaster scenarios propelled the foundation of our company and the development of our innovative products.
StartupTalky: What are the key features and advantages of your drone systems compared to others in the market?
Mr. Satapathy: The key features and advantages of our drone systems compared to others in the market include:
The propulsion system developed by us is capable of flying at high altitudes.
Self-flying technology is also an innovation and a unique selling point (USP) of our drones.
Airframe is another level of innovation we brought in metal alloys, where we came up with innovative aerospace-grade aluminium alloy, which is cost-effective, reliable, maintainable, and light weight.
StartupTalky: How does the eVTOL vehicle contribute to carbon-free smart aerial mobility, and what are its benefits for logistics and cargo transportation?
Mr. Satapathy: We prioritise sustainability and social responsibility through our commitment to minimising environmental impact. Our logistic drones are powered by batteries, ensuring that our operations leave no carbon footprint in the environment. By leveraging battery-powered technology, we strive to promote clean energy usage, reduce air pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable future for both industry and society. As part of our social responsibility initiatives, we are dedicated to advancing eco-friendly practices and setting a precedent for environmentally conscious innovation within the drone manufacturing and logistics industry.
StartupTalky: How does BonV Aero approach development and innovation in drone systems? What role does R&D play?
Mr. Satapathy: BonV Aero places a strong emphasis on development and innovation in drone systems through its in-house manufacturing approach, ensuring full control over key components like aerostructures. We have a state-of-the-art R&D facility that manages everything from the design to the fabrication of these structures. This comprehensive R&D process extends into critical areas such as motor and motor controller designs, ensuring their drones remain highly efficient even in extreme conditions, like the high altitudes of the Himalayas.
BonV Aero has also developed proprietary software platforms that enable drones to fly autonomously in any jamming atmosphere, a crucial feature for secure and reliable operations. These advancements in aerial mobility have been proven in practical scenarios, with BonV Aero successfully inducting logistic drones into the Indian Army. These eVTOLs are capable of operating in high-altitude and adverse environments, providing essential support for the Army in challenging conditions.
StartupTalky: Share a notable project or success story where BonV Aero’s drones have had a significant impact.
Mr. Satapathy: A significant success story for BonV Aero involved deploying our logistic drones in disaster-stricken areas to facilitate rapid and efficient delivery of emergency supplies. Our drones proved instrumental in areas where traditional transport could not reach, thereby significantly speeding up relief efforts and minimizing the impact of the disaster. We recently broke the world record for carrying the heaviest payload in our drone (30 kg) at the highest altitude in the Himalayas at Ladakh (19024 ft).
StartupTalky: What are the main challenges in drone manufacturing, and how is BonV Aero addressing them?
Mr. Satapathy: The main challenges in drone manufacturing include technological integration, regulatory compliance, and scalability of production. BonV Aero addresses these by innovating in electric propulsion systems for enhanced efficiency and safety, closely working with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance, and leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to scale operations effectively.
StartupTalky: What is your view on the current state and future outlook of the drone industry in India?
Mr. Satapathy: The drone industry in India is at a burgeoning stage with vast potential for growth, driven by increasing adoption across sectors like agriculture, defense, and disaster management. The future outlook is promising due to supportive government policies promoting drone technology. BonV Aero is poised to lead this growth by innovating and adapting to market needs, thus contributing significantly to the industry’s evolution in India.
StartupTalky: What emerging trends or technologies in aerospace and aviation excite you, and how will BonV Aero incorporate them?
Mr. Satapathy: Emerging trends in aerospace and aviation, such as autonomous flight systems, artificial intelligence in unmanned flight operations, and greener propulsion technologies, excite us at BonV Aero. We are actively incorporating these advancements into our designs to enhance drone capabilities and ensure sustainable operations.
StartupTalky: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to enter the drone industry?
Mr. Satapathy: On the technology side, prioritize innovation by addressing the end user’s pain points. Understand your users deeply and focus on incremental improvements that make a real difference in their experience. Execution is equally important—ensure your solutions are practical, scalable, and well-aligned with user requirements.
When it comes to funding, be clear about your “MOAT” when presenting to investors. Don’t hesitate to schedule meetings with multiple investors—be persistent and proactive. Seek investors who are not just financiers but true partners who can help guide and grow your business.
Regarding regulations, having a deep understanding of the regulatory framework is crucial. Stay informed and engaged with the evolving regulatory landscape, as it can significantly impact the success of your startup.
Ever since drones first appeared on the scene, people all over the globe have been enamored with this new way of surveying the planet. Inspired by the rapid development of this industry, India is aiming to become the world’s leading drone manufacturer by 2030. In addition to making the country more technologically advanced, this transition will reportedly add roughly 1.15 percent to the GDP and create five lakh employment in the next years, according to media sources. The use of drones has been hailed as a crucial component of the ecosystem surrounding Industry 4.0. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) program, which was launched in 2021, is being requested by the drone sector to be expanded.
While speaking with the media recently, Indian Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen. VK Singh (Retd.) predicted that the drone manufacturing industry’s yearly sales turnover might increase from around Rs 60 crore in 2020-21 to around Rs 900 crore in 2024-25.
By announcing liberalized drone regulations in August 2021, the Indian government ushered the drone sector into what it called “an era of supernormal growth.” Since then, the industry has skyrocketed. These rules simplified the red tape by doing away with security clearances during licensing and registration and cutting the number of documents and permissions needed from 25 to 5.
Adding more manure to foster the growth of this sector, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has implemented the following five measures—the Ease of Doing Business (Drone Rules 2021), financial incentives (PLI scheme), government procurement, export liberalization, and domestic industry promotion.
In September 2021, the ministry released the drone airspace map and a PLI scheme following the drone rules. In October 2021, the ministry released the UAS Traffic Management (UTM) policy framework. Drones flying up to 400 feet are now allowed across approximately 90% of Indian airspace according to a map released on September 24, 2021.
PLI has distributed Rs 30 crore so far; it is regarded as a spearhead for boosting the drone sector. The government launched the program with an incentive package of Rs 120 crore, to be distributed over three fiscal years at a rate of 20% of the value addition. A total of twelve drone manufacturers and eleven drone component manufacturers were chosen as PLI beneficiaries under the program.
Size of Drone Service Market in India for 2020 and 2021, With a Forecast Until 2030
Reasons to Elevate This Sector
Drones have many practical applications in many fields, including cinematography, building, defense, mining, telecommunications, oil and gas exploration, monitoring sites, aerial photography, and land surveys. They are also useful for keeping an eye on infrastructure like roads and highways. As technology advances and cost efficiencies rise, solutions like drone-facilitated last-mile deliveries and other support for retail, healthcare, logistics, and other sectors may soon become more commonplace in consumer market applications.
This can only happen in India if the country’s drone industry grows. This calls for more expenditures in research and development, more local production to meet demand, and solutions that can handle both general-purpose and hyperlocal needs. Significant cost reductions will only occur in the industry after that. Businesses of all sizes, from large conglomerates in related industries to fledgling tech companies and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—can benefit from this industry-ecosystem-based approach. These businesses can manufacture components, create software applications, enterprise solutions, and counter-drone technology, and even design and assemble finished goods. Diversified product lines that are finally appealing to consumers will be the final result.
Problems Impeding Expansion
This industry is facing several obstacles that are preventing it from reaching its full potential, even though all of the bots have been correctly positioned. Access to necessary parts is one of the most significant challenges in this regard. As a result of the limited availability of these components in India, drone makers are forced to rely largely on suppliers from other countries. Components were exempt from the import embargo that the government imposed to encourage domestic drone production.
The local ecosystem is starting to see a lot of investment, and it will start to take shape in the next few years. India’s largest drone manufacturer, IdeaForge, is collaborating with several suppliers to “indigenize” numerous drone subsystems. It is equally critical to set up testing facilities and cultivate a talent pool for piloting these UAVs. Inadequate oversight is a risk that the PLI system poses to the drone business. The sector is requesting a merger of production-linked and service-linked incentives in addition to a larger PLI system.
The Drone Industry in India has recently flourished due to various uses in the Defence sectors along with civilian and commercial organizations. One of the major Defence Laboratory in India DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation has invested greatly in the Research and Development of Drones with a focus on the needs of Indian Defence scenarios.
In India, Revenue in the Drones segment amounts to $23.62 Mn in 2023. The market will show annual growth of 8.12% (CAGR 2023-2027). The drone volume is expected to amount to 100,000 pieces by 2027 and will show a growth of 14.6% in 2024.
Revenue in the Drones Segment in India from 2014 to 2027
Modern drones are easily accessible, and the market is full of brilliant flying machines. If you’re looking to buy a drone, then you have to know the functionalities and features of the drone.
Drones are of major use in:
Assisting aid agencies during humanitarian crises and disaster management,
monitoring wildlife activity, animal tagging, and conducting anti-poaching patrols,
helping farmers with their fields with a simple bird’s eye view of their field,
providing a new perspective to journalists.
Thus, there is a huge spike in the use of drones in sectors like GIS Mapping, Topographical Surveys, Industrial inspections, Powerline inspections, pipeline inspections, railway line inspections, etc.
Here is a list of the Top Drone Startups in India which have gained acceleration in the past few years:
Vipul Singh, Yeshwanth Reddy, Suhas Banshiwala, and Nikhil Upadhye
Founded in
2013
Headquarters
Bangalore
Aarav Unmanned Systems Homepage
AUS builds autonomous drones that come with ease of operation and can be operated by any user without any specialized training. AUS is the undisputed leader of commercial drones in India as it has served key players across private and public sectors. Aarav Unmanned Systems has also developed and designed Nayan, a quadrotor for developers and researchers.
AUS claims to be performing 3D mapping & Image Processing, precision agriculture, geographical mapping and survey, aerial photography, disaster/event management, and defense surveillance.
Aero 360 provides end-to-end drone solutions for enterprises including Turnkey services, Drone tool kits, Data Processing and analysis, Training, and consulting Drone repair services. It also provides high-resolution aerial images & videos to enable better scoping, assessment, planning, surveying, design, inspection & maintenance decisions.
It provides extensive local support for repairs & maintenance through a network of drone repair centers for your Drones. The company also provides solutions including data acquisition, processing, and analysis globally through Pilot Partner Network & Centralised Data Processing for your projects.
IdeaForge
Founders
Ankit Mehta, Rahul Singh, Ashish Bhat, and Vipul Joshi
Founded in
2007
Headquarters
Mumbai
IdeaForge Homepage
IdeaForge was founded in 2007 by Ankit Mehta, Rahul Singh, Ashish Bhat, and Vipul Joshi and is engaged in the development of unmanned aerial systems that offer usability to user-centric innovations and designs. The organization is also a licensed manufacturer of UAVs approved by the Ministry of Defence. It also provides the flexibility to customize products for an array of requirements.
Its first product, Netra, is a man-portable autonomous UAV for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance of moving and fixed targets. It also offers Netra V series autonomous and a man-portable small unmanned aerial vehicle that weighs less than 3 kgs.
CRON Systems:
Founders
Tushar Chhabra, Saurav Agarwal and Tomer Ktzenellebogen
Founded in
2015
Headquarters
Delhi
CRON Systems Homepage
A defense technology startup, Cron Systems was founded in the year 2015 by Tushar Chhabra and co-founders Saurav Agarwal and Tomer Ktzenellebogen, which builds Multi-sensor enabled intrusion detection systems and drones, and perimeter defense equipment. It is a leading provider of sensing products and perception software that brings vision to UAVs, automobiles, mapping, security, and other industries to enhance situational awareness.
Indian Border Security Force also installed several Cron laser walls along borders to keep a vigil on intrusion attempts across Indian borders. Cron also holds top strategic partners and investors which include YourNest Venture capital, Techstars Adelaide, and Cisco Launchpad. CRON systems offerings also include the Kavach series of advanced multi-sensor scanners and SenseEdge perception software.
DeTect Technologies:
Founders
Daniel Raj David, Harikrishnan AS, Karthik R, Tarun Mishra, and Krishnan Balasubramanian
Founded in
2016
Headquarters
Chennai
Detect Technologies Homepage
DeTect Technologies was founded by Daniel Raj David, Harikrishnan AS, Karthik R, Tarun Mishra, and Krishnan Balasubramanian in the year 2016 in Chennai with a vision of providing infrastructure services to the industrial sector including drone-based monitoring of critical infrastructure.
The company focuses on developing products that help in predicting the maintenance of oil and gas pipelines and predicting leakages. DeTect also develops a semi-autonomous drone called Noctua for the inspection of boilers and other O&G components.
Drone Tech Lab
Founders
Biswajit Dey, and Ritesh Kanu
Founded in
2014
Headquarters
Kolkata
Drone Tech Lab Homepage
The company Rchobbytech Solutions Private Limited has been greatly functioning and is excelling by offering outclassing products and services. The company manufactures Agricultural Drones, Pesticide Spraying Drones, Crop Monitoring Drones, Surveillance Drones, Drones Cameras, and Photography Drones.
Being a service provider, the company has gained expertise in offering Drone Manufacturing, Aerial Photography, Surveillance Drone, and Digital Photography services to customers. The company has also gained expertise in offering Drone Manufacturing, Aerial Photography, Surveillance Drone, and Digital Photography services to customers.
The company provides intelligent data using drones. Data collected from a drone’s view using required sensors help you to take a necessary decision about your construction project, industrial premise, historical architecture, agricultural field, or any other land. Indrones solutions also like to consider UAVs as a tool that can be used, by soldiers to gather real-time situational awareness, by a surveyor to get better data, by a farmer to assess crop health, and by filmmakers to bring in shots that were never possible before.
While being a revolutionary tool, UAVs also need to be easy to use, affordable, and most importantly, reliable, and safe. The sensors in drones can estimate dimensions like the breadth and height of any structure like a water tank or warehouse giving us an approx idea about the volume.
Conclusion
Innovation has made us believe that great things can happen and will happen. People around the world are innovating new and exciting things that will make our lives easier. Every entrepreneur has a firm belief to make this world a little better. This has led to some exciting and emerging innovations. Drones are one of them. Be ready to get a parcel delivered to your doorstep by a drone in the future. Isn’t it exciting? This has given rise to a lot of startups that investing their time and energy in making wonderful drones. Let’s wait and watch what new device or machine gets innovated in the future.
FAQs
Are drones allowed in India?
UIN for drones mandatory: No drone can be owned or operated in India unless it has been allotted a Unique Identification Number (UIN), which will be issued by the DGCA.
Are drone cameras banned in India?
According to India’s national aviation authority, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, flying a drone is legal in India, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.
Are drones worth buying?
If you wish to enhance your photos and/or videos, are looking for unique ways to simplify the way you do business, or are just searching for a fun weekend project, then a drone may be worth your time and money. The decision to purchase your very own drone can be difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.
Do I need a license for a drone in India?
All drones except those in the Nano category must be registered and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN). A permit is required for commercial drone operations (except for those in the Nano category flown below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).
