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IIT Kanpur Initiates UDAAN to Propel Drone Startups with Comprehensive Support

The image is a promotional banner for the UDAAN program, which stands for UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking. It features a central graphic of a glowing, blue holographic drone set against a dark, starry sky background. On the right, the program name "UDAAN" is prominently displayed in large white letters. Below the program name, various logos are arranged, representing the program's key partners and supporters: the Drone Federation of India, IIT Kanpur, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre at IIT Kanpur, and the Centre of Excellence for Capacity Building, Training, and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. This banner effectively communicates the technological and collaborative essence of the UDAAN program.
By
Anurag Trivedi

Kanpur: The Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, in partnership with the Drone Centre of Excellence (Drone CoE Kanpur), supported by the UP government and the Drone Federation of India (DFI), has launched the UAV/UAS/Drone Acceleration and Networking (UDAAN) Program. This new initiative is set to revolutionize the sector for budding drone startups in India by providing critical resources and expertise for rapid expansion.

Each year, the UDAAN program will select 20 startups divided into two cohorts for a comprehensive acceleration period. Incubated at SIIC, these startups will benefit from advanced R&D facilities, technical mentorship, financing options, and vital industry links.

The program includes strategic business development, market analysis, customer targeting, and partnership development, coupled with access to top-notch testing facilities at the Drone CoE, workshops, and mentorship from leading UAV experts and distinguished IIT Kanpur faculty.

Additionally, the program features investor connect events like pitch sessions and demo days, and the top six startups from each cohort will receive an annual fellowship of Rs 3 lakhs to support their growth.

Prof. Ankush Sharma of SIIC emphasized the program’s role in driving UAV industry growth in India through substantial resources and mentorship. Prof. Abhishek of the Drone CoE added that the program aims to support UAV pioneers with customized support and advanced facilities to foster significant advancements in the sector.

Startups aiming to join must be DPIIT-registered private limited companies within the UAV sector, focusing on product development, testing, or consultancy, with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs 3 crores.

UDAAN stands as a powerful collaboration among academia, industry, and government, dedicated to propelling innovation and entrepreneurship within the drone industry. Interested startups are encouraged to seize this unique growth opportunity.

For more details and to apply, visit https://siicincubator.com/about/drone_coe.php. Applications are due by June 20, 2024.