Drone technology startup IG Drones has successfully raised $1 million in its initial funding round, spearheaded by India Accelerator and supported by various angel investors. This funding marks
Drone technology startup IG Drones has successfully raised $1 million in its initial funding round, spearheaded by India Accelerator and supported by various angel investors. This funding marks a significant step forward for the startup, which is also gearing up to raise an additional $3 million over the next six months to expand its operations both in India and on a global scale.
Founded in 2018 by Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, IG Drones is at the forefront of providing innovative drone-based services for mapping, inspection, and surveying. Their diverse range of services includes monitoring powerlines, inspecting bridges, surveying pipelines and solar plants, railroad assessments, and agricultural surveys. With a track record of over 500 projects, IG Drones has collaborated with the Indian Army, various state governments, and more than 100 major corporations.
The newly acquired capital will primarily fuel the startup’s research and development (R&D) initiatives, focusing on creating advanced drone solutions specifically for defense applications. To enhance these efforts, IG Drones plans to partner with international companies specializing in the defense and aerospace sectors.
“Our emphasis is on innovation, R&D, talent acquisition, and global expansion,” said Sanghapriya, who serves as CEO. “This funding will be instrumental in advancing our R&D in drone technology and promoting the drone tech landscape in India. By harnessing cutting-edge Drone Tech and AI, we aim to revolutionize multiple industries through predictive analytics.”
Among IG Drones’ notable innovations is the AI-powered Jaga drone, hailed as the first AI-on-edge drone in India. This state-of-the-art technology has earned accolades for its precision and performance. The startup has also developed India’s first 5G drone and is actively collaborating with the defense sector and leading enterprises.
In the agricultural sector, IG Drones’ Kisaan initiative is empowering farmers with groundbreaking solutions designed to enhance productivity and sustainability.
In addition to its technological advancements, IG Drones is committed to educating and empowering the youth of India in drone technology. The company has established the Drone Centre of Excellence (CoE) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with prestigious institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and IIM Sambalpur. As a National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) Prime Partner, IG Drones has trained over 50,000 youth across the country.
Last year, the startup proudly launched India’s first indigenously developed simulator, the IG Military Simulator, in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ashish Bhatia, Founder and CEO of India Accelerator, expressed enthusiasm for IG Drones’ potential: “The team is pushing the boundaries of aerial technology and redefining the future of various industries. Their innovative, tech-based solutions are transforming operations and driving efficiency and scalability in remarkable ways. We are excited to support their journey as they soar to new heights in this rapidly evolving field.”
With its sights set on the future, IG Drones is not just taking off; it’s aiming to change the landscape of drone technology in India and beyond.
