Top 10 Drone Startups in India
Explore the top 10 drone startups in India revolutionizing sectors like agriculture, defense, healthcare, and entertainment. Discover how companies like Aarav Unmanned Systems, IdeaForge, and Skylark Drones are driving innovation with cutting-edge technology and pioneering solutions. Dive into the achievements and key contributions of these leading drone startups shaping the future of the Indian drone industry.
Table of Contents
India’s drone industry has been soaring, with numerous startups emerging to revolutionize various sectors like agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and filmmaking. With supportive government policies and increasing demand for innovative solutions, Indian drone startups are making significant strides. Here’s a look at the top 10 drone startups in India that are leading the way.
1. Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)
Founded in 2013 by Vipul Singh, Suhas Banshiwala, and Yeshwanth Reddy, AUS is one of the pioneers in the Indian drone industry. AUS specializes in high-precision drone-based solutions for various sectors including mining, infrastructure, and agriculture. Their flagship product, the Insight, is known for its high accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for industrial applications.
Key Achievements:
- First Indian company to introduce PPK (Post Processed Kinematics) drones.
- Extensive work with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for highway mapping.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Vipul Singh, Suhas Banshiwala, Yeshwanth Reddy |
| Specialization | High-precision drone-based solutions for mining, infrastructure, and agriculture |
| Key Achievements | First Indian company to introduce PPK drones; Extensive work with NHAI for highway mapping |
| Website | Aarav Unmanned Systems |
Read more: Top 10 Fintech Startups in India
2. IdeaForge
IdeaForge was established in 2007 by IIT Bombay alumni Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, Rahul Singh, and Vipul Joshi. The startup is renowned for developing India’s first autonomous UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Their drones are widely used by the Indian Armed Forces, police, and disaster management authorities.
Key Achievements:
- Developed NETRA, a collaborative product with DRDO, which played a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters.
- Supplied over 1,000 drones to Indian defense forces.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founders | Ankit Mehta, Ashish Bhat, Rahul Singh, Vipul Joshi |
| Specialization | Autonomous UAVs for defense, police, and disaster management |
| Key Achievements | Developed NETRA with DRDO; Supplied over 1,000 drones to Indian defense forces |
| Website | IdeaForge |
Read more: Top 10 Agritech Startups in India
3. Asteria Aerospace
Founded in 2011 by Neel Mehta and Ankit Mehta, Asteria Aerospace focuses on providing end-to-end solutions using drones for security and surveillance. The startup offers both hardware and software solutions, catering to sectors like defense, law enforcement, and industrial inspections.
Key Achievements:
- Acquired by the Reliance Group in 2019, boosting its financial and technological capabilities.
- Developed the A200, a robust drone used extensively for surveillance and monitoring.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Neel Mehta, Ankit Mehta |
| Specialization | Security and surveillance drones for defense, law enforcement, and industrial inspections |
| Key Achievements | Acquired by Reliance Group in 2019; Developed A200 drone for surveillance and monitoring |
| Website | Asteria Aerospace |
Read more: Top 10 CleanTech Startups in India
4. Detect Technologies
Detect Technologies, founded in 2016 by Tarun Mishra, Harshit Verma, and Meenakshi Singh from IIT Madras, specializes in industrial inspections. Their drone solutions are designed to inspect hard-to-reach and hazardous areas, reducing risks and improving efficiency in industries like oil and gas, power, and infrastructure.
Key Achievements:
- Developed Gumps, a comprehensive industrial inspection solution.
- Successfully raised funding from Accel Partners and Shell.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Tarun Mishra, Harshit Verma, Meenakshi Singh |
| Specialization | Industrial inspections for oil and gas, power, and infrastructure sectors |
| Key Achievements | Developed Gumps for industrial inspections; Raised funding from Accel Partners and Shell |
| Website | Detect Technologies |
Read more: Top 10 InsurTech Startups in India
5. DeTect Technologies
Not to be confused with Detect Technologies, DeTect Technologies is another powerhouse in the industrial inspection domain. Founded by Dr. Srinivasan Gopalan and Dr. Krishna Swaminathan, this startup has developed proprietary drone technology that allows for precise and efficient inspection of industrial assets.
Key Achievements:
- Winner of several innovation awards in the industrial inspection domain.
- Developed Noctua, a drone designed for real-time inspection of high-rise structures.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Dr. Srinivasan Gopalan, Dr. Krishna Swaminathan |
| Specialization | Industrial asset inspection with proprietary drone technology |
| Key Achievements | Developed Noctua for real-time inspection of high-rise structures; Winner of innovation awards |
| Website | DeTect Technologies |
Read more: Top 10 LegalTech Startups in India
6. CRON Systems
Founded in 2015 by Saurav Agarwala, CRON Systems provides advanced security solutions using drones and IoT. The startup focuses on border security, providing high-tech surveillance systems to monitor and protect sensitive areas.
Key Achievements:
- Partnered with Indian defense and paramilitary forces for border surveillance.
- Developed a suite of products including perimeter intrusion detection systems integrated with drones.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Saurav Agarwala |
| Specialization | Advanced security solutions for border surveillance using drones and IoT |
| Key Achievements | Partnered with Indian defense and paramilitary forces for border surveillance; Developed perimeter intrusion systems |
| Website | CRON Systems |
Read more: Top 10 GovTech Startups in India
7. Quidich Innovation Labs
Founded in 2013 by Gautam Vora, Quidich Innovation Labs has carved a niche in the media and entertainment industry. Their drones are widely used for aerial cinematography, live sports coverage, and event management.
Key Achievements:
- Provided drone coverage for major events like IPL and Indian Super League.
- Pioneered drone usage in Indian cinema, collaborating with leading film production houses.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | Gautam Vora |
| Specialization | Aerial cinematography, live sports coverage, and event management |
| Key Achievements | Drone coverage for major events like IPL and ISL; Pioneered drone usage in Indian cinema |
| Website | Quidich Innovation Labs |
Read more: Top 10 RetailTech Startups in India
8. Thanos Technologies
Thanos Technologies, founded by Rajesh Kumar in 2018, focuses on developing drone solutions for agriculture. Their drones are designed to assist farmers with crop monitoring, spraying, and precision agriculture.
Key Achievements:
- Developed drones capable of spraying pesticides over large areas efficiently.
- Partnered with several state governments for implementing drone technology in agriculture.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Rajesh Kumar |
| Specialization | Drone solutions for agriculture, including crop monitoring and spraying |
| Key Achievements | Developed drones for efficient pesticide spraying; Partnered with state governments for agricultural drone implementation |
| Website | Thanos Technologies |
Read more: Top 10 PropTech Startups in India
9. Redwing Aerospace
Founded by Anshul Sharma and Rishabh Gupta, Redwing Aerospace aims to revolutionize healthcare logistics using drones. Their drones are designed to deliver medical supplies to remote and inaccessible areas, ensuring timely medical assistance.
Key Achievements:
- Successfully conducted trial deliveries of vaccines and medical supplies in rural India.
- Recognized by WHO for their innovative solutions in healthcare logistics.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Anshul Sharma, Rishabh Gupta |
| Specialization | Healthcare logistics using drones to deliver medical supplies |
| Key Achievements | Conducted trial deliveries of vaccines and medical supplies; Recognized by WHO for healthcare logistics solutions |
| Website | Redwing Aerospace |
Read more: Top 10 FoodTech Startups in India
10. Skylark Drones
Founded in 2014 by Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy and Pavan Kumar, Skylark Drones provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise and industrial applications. Their services include aerial mapping, surveying, and monitoring for sectors like agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
Key Achievements:
- Developed proprietary software for processing and analyzing drone data.
- Worked with leading companies like Tata Steel, Adani, and JSW for various industrial projects.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Mughilan Thiru Ramasamy, Pavan Kumar |
| Specialization | Comprehensive drone solutions for aerial mapping, surveying, and monitoring |
| Key Achievements | Developed proprietary software for drone data analysis; Worked with companies like Tata Steel, Adani, and JSW |
| Website | Skylark Drones |
Read more: Top 10 HealthTech Startups in India
The Indian drone industry is booming, with startups playing a crucial role in driving innovation and adoption across various sectors. From defense and agriculture to healthcare and entertainment, these top 10 drone startups are not only transforming industries but also contributing to the country’s technological advancement. With continued support from the government and increased investment, the future of the drone industry in India looks promising.
FAQs on Top 10 Drone Startups in India
1. What sectors do these drone startups cater to?
These startups cater to various sectors, including agriculture, defense, infrastructure, industrial inspection, healthcare logistics, media, and entertainment.
2. Which startup is known for its collaboration with Indian defense forces?
IdeaForge is known for its collaboration with Indian defense forces, having supplied over 1,000 drones for various defense applications.
3. Are there any drone startups focusing on agriculture?
Yes, Thanos Technologies focuses on developing drone solutions for agriculture, including crop monitoring and pesticide spraying.
4. Which startup was acquired by the Reliance Group?
Asteria Aerospace was acquired by the Reliance Group in 2019, enhancing its financial and technological capabilities.
5. What are some key achievements of Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)?
AUS is recognized as the first Indian company to introduce PPK drones and has extensively worked with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for highway mapping.
6. How are drones used in industrial inspections?
Detect Technologies and DeTect Technologies specialize in using drones for industrial inspections, providing solutions for inspecting hard-to-reach and hazardous areas in sectors like oil and gas, power, and infrastructure.
7. Which startup is a pioneer in aerial cinematography and live sports coverage?
Quidich Innovation Labs is a pioneer in aerial cinematography, live sports coverage, and event management, providing drone coverage for major events like IPL and ISL.
8. Are there any startups working on healthcare logistics using drones?
Yes, Redwing Aerospace focuses on healthcare logistics, using drones to deliver medical supplies to remote and inaccessible areas.
9. What is the primary focus of CRON Systems?
CRON Systems provides advanced security solutions using drones and IoT for border surveillance and monitoring sensitive areas.
10. Where can I find more information about these startups?
You can find more information on their respective websites:
- Aarav Unmanned Systems: AUS
- IdeaForge: IdeaForge
- Asteria Aerospace: Asteria Aerospace
- Detect Technologies: Detect Technologies
- DeTect Technologies: DeTect Technologies
- CRON Systems: CRON Systems
- Quidich Innovation Labs: Quidich Innovation Labs
- Thanos Technologies: Thanos Technologies
- Redwing Aerospace: Redwing Aerospace
- Skylark Drones: Skylark Drones
Also, read
Top 10 Edutech Startups in India
Top 10 TravelTech Startups in India
Top 10 Mobility Startups in India
Top 10 FashionTech Startups in India
Top 10 HRtech Startups in India
Top 10 AdTech Startups in India
Top 10 BeautyTech Startups in India
top 10 cybersecurity startups in India
