Innovative Partnership to Revolutionize Disaster Management
IIT-Bhubaneswar has forged a significant partnership with IG Drones to establish the country’s first Advanced Drone Excellence Centre focused on disaster management research and development. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to enhance the capabilities of drone technology to improve disaster response and recovery across India—a nation frequently affected by natural calamities.
IIT-Bhubaneswar: A Beacon of Technological Innovation
Founded in 2008, IIT-Bhubaneswar is a premier institution known for its advanced programs in engineering, technology, and science. Located in Odisha’s capital, the institute has made a mark as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements. The IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park, a key component of the institute, is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the development of new products and technologies. The new Advanced Drone Excellence Centre will be housed within this park, spanning approximately 2000 sq. ft. and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to propel research and development in drone technology.
The Role of IG Drones in Disaster Management
IG Drones, a leading player in the drone technology and AI sector, brings extensive expertise in disaster management to this collaboration. Since its inception in 2019, IG Drones has been actively involved in disaster response efforts across various challenging terrains. The company has made significant contributions in Uttarakhand’s avalanche-affected regions, Sikkim’s landslides, and Odisha’s cyclone-prone areas. This hands-on experience positions IG Drones uniquely to drive innovation in disaster management through the use of drones.
A New Era in Disaster Management Research
The Advanced Drone Excellence Centre will specifically focus on developing drone technologies tailored for disaster management. This pioneering initiative aims to address the pressing need for advanced tools that can provide critical support during emergencies. By integrating IG Drones’ field expertise with IIT-Bhubaneswar’s research capabilities, the Centre will work on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of drone applications in disaster scenarios. This includes enhancing real-time data collection, improving aerial surveillance, and optimizing response strategies during natural calamities.
Strategic Alignment with National Goals
This partnership is aligned with broader national objectives, including the 100 Cube Initiative. Launched earlier this year, this initiative is inspired by Honorable Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Purvodaya Mission. The mission seeks to create 100 startups, each valued at Rs 100 crore, by 2036, celebrating Odisha’s centenary as a linguistic state. The Advanced Drone Excellence Centre represents a key element in this vision, contributing to the development of high-end technological solutions and fostering innovation in disaster management.
Odisha: A Leader in Disaster Preparedness
Odisha is recognized as a leading state in disaster preparedness and management. The state’s proactive approach, advanced infrastructure, and effective use of technology have garnered global appreciation. IG Drones, being an Odisha-based company, aligns perfectly with this reputation. The company’s expertise in deploying cutting-edge drone technology and AI to manage disaster scenarios enhances the Centre’s potential to drive significant advancements in the field.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO of IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship Park, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture: “We are thrilled to partner with IG Drones in this groundbreaking initiative. This collaboration not only aligns with our vision of fostering high-end technological startups but also enhances our focus on disaster management. The Advanced Drone Excellence Centre will leverage our strengths in AI, AR/VR, and Earth sciences to advance solutions that address real-world challenges in disaster management.”
Mr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, CEO of IG Drones, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar marks a significant step forward in disaster management through drone technology. With our extensive field experience and expertise, we aim to develop and refine drone applications that will greatly enhance disaster response and recovery capabilities. This Centre represents a critical investment in the future of disaster management.”
Future Prospects and Market Growth
The Indian drone market is poised for substantial growth, projected to increase from USD 654 million in 2024 to USD 1,437 million by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0%. This growth is driven by rising demand across sectors such as agriculture, defense, and e-commerce. IG Drones, founded by Odia entrepreneurs Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, is committed to positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s ambition to become a global drone hub by 2030. The Advanced Drone Excellence Centre is a significant step towards equipping talent with advanced drone technology skills and contributing to India’s resilience against natural disasters.
The collaboration between IIT-Bhubaneswar and IG Drones is set to establish new benchmarks in drone technology research and development. By addressing critical needs in disaster management and advancing technological capabilities, this partnership promises to make a lasting impact on India’s approach to managing natural calamities.
(With inputs from agencies)
