IIT Kanpur, Centre of Excellence for UAVs, and DFI launch UDAAN: Drone Startup Acceleration Program

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has joined forces with the Centre of Excellence for Capacity Building, Training, and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles at IIT Kanpur (Drone CoE Kanpur), an initiative by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to launch the UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking (UDAAN) Program.

This program promises to be a game-changer for aspiring and promising drone startups in India, providing them with the resources and expertise needed to scale their businesses rapidly.

UDAAN will select 20 startups annually, divided into two cohorts, for an intensive acceleration journey. These startups will be incubated at SIIC, IIT Kanpur, gaining access to cutting-edge R&D facilities, technical mentorship, financing opportunities, and invaluable industry relationships.

It offers a comprehensive support system designed to equip startups with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive drone landscape. This includes strategic product and business development assistance, market analysis, customer targeting, alliance building, and growth plan development.

Furthermore, startups will have access to state-of-the-art testing facilities at the Drone CoE, including the Helicopter and VTOL Laboratory, Flight Laboratory, and the National Wind Tunnel Facility. They will also benefit from workshops, short courses, and mentorship from leading UAV experts and esteemed IIT Kanpur faculty.

To further accelerate their growth, the program will organize investor-connect activities such as pitch sessions, demo days, and networking opportunities with angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. Additionally, the top six startups in each cohort will receive fellowship support of Rs. 3 lakhs per annum, providing crucial financial backing for their continued innovation and growth.

Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor in Charge at SIIC, IIT Kanpur, emphasized the program's significance. "The UAV/UAS Acceleration Programme is a testament to our commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the drone sector. By providing startups with access to world-class resources and mentorship, we aim to accelerate the growth of the UAV industry in India and contribute to technological advancements that have the potential to revolutionize various sectors."

Prof. Abhishek, Professor-in-Charge, of Drone CoE at IIT Kanpur added, “We are dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of UAV pioneers. By providing mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, and customized support, our goal is to help startups succeed and drive significant advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles. Let's embark together on a journey of exploration, innovation, and endless possibilities."

Startups interested in participating in the UDAAN program must be registered as Private Limited companies with DPIIT, operate within the UAV/Drone sector, and focus on product development, testing, design verification, or technical consultancy. Additionally, their annual turnover should not exceed Rs. 3 crores.

The UDAAN program represents a unique and powerful collaboration between academia, industry, and government, all working together to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the drone sector. Startups eager to accelerate their growth and contribute to the advancement of UAV technology are encouraged to apply for this exclusive opportunity.