IIT Kanpur's Centre of Excellence for UAVs and DFI have introduced UDAAN, a Drone Startup Acceleration Program.

The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Capacity Building, Training, and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drone CoE Kanpur) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to launch the UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking (UDAAN) Program. This initiative, supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, aims to significantly impact aspiring drone startups in India by offering them the necessary resources and expertise for rapid growth.

The UDAAN program will select 20 startups each year, split into two cohorts, for a rigorous acceleration process. These startups will be incubated at SIIC, IIT Kanpur, and will have access to advanced R&D facilities, technical mentorship, funding opportunities, and vital industry connections.

The program provides a robust support system to help startups thrive in the competitive drone industry. This includes strategic product and business development support, market analysis, customer targeting, alliance building, and growth plan development.

Startups will also have access to advanced testing facilities at the Drone CoE, such as the Helicopter and VTOL Laboratory, Flight Laboratory, and the National Wind Tunnel Facility. They will benefit from workshops, short courses, and mentorship from top UAV experts and esteemed IIT Kanpur faculty.

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

Prof. Ankush Sharma, in charge at SIIC, IIT Kanpur, highlighted the program's importance: “The UAV/UAS Acceleration Programme demonstrates our dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the drone sector. By offering startups 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 can revolutionize various sectors.”

Prof. Abhishek, in charge of Drone CoE, IIT Kanpur, added, “We are committed to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of UAV pioneers. By offering mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, and tailored support, we aim 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 wishing to participate 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. Their annual turnover should not exceed Rs. 3 crores.

The UDAAN program is a unique collaboration between academia, industry, and government, aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the drone sector. Startups looking to accelerate their growth and contribute to UAV technology advancements are encouraged to apply for this exclusive opportunity.