Navigating Indian Farms with Innovative Drones: The Journey of Deepak Bharadwaj and Anoop Upadhyay

Drones have revolutionized various industries, from videography to agriculture, and their impact on Indian farming is remarkable. IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd, founded by Deepak Bharadwaj and Anoop Upadhyay, is at the forefront of this agricultural drone revolution. In an exclusive interview with SMBStory, the co-founders share their journey of establishing a made-in-India drone manufacturing company, their commitment to supporting farmers, and their vision for the future.

Seeds of Innovation

The journey of IoTechWorld Avigation began in 2017 when Deepak and Anoop, both engineers, decided to explore the burgeoning drone industry in India. With a shared passion for technology and a desire to make a meaningful impact, they set out to leverage drones to enhance agricultural practices.

Pioneering Agriculture Drones:

Recognizing the potential of drones to revolutionize Indian agriculture, Deepak and Anoop invested their savings, approximately Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, to establish IoTechWorld Avigation in Gurugram. At that time, the Indian drone manufacturing infrastructure was nascent, prompting the duo to import components from countries like China and Japan and assemble them in India.

Government Initiatives Propel Growth:

IoTechWorld Avigation’s journey gained momentum in 2021 when the Indian government introduced initiatives to promote self-reliance in drone manufacturing. These initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and The Drone Rules, 2021, played a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for the drone industry’s growth.

Indigenous Production and Airworthiness:

Today, IoTechWorld Avigation manufactures 55% of its hardware components in its Gurugram facility, with plans to achieve 100% indigenous production by establishing another unit in Hyderabad within the next two to three years. The company received its first Type Certificate (TC) for airworthiness, a significant milestone that bolstered its credibility in the market.

Empowering Farmers with Agri Drones:

IoTechWorld Avigation is dedicated to supporting farmers across India. The company’s flagship product, AGRIBOT, boasts three different payloads: spray tanks, multispectral sensors, and granule broadcasters. These drones are equipped with AI/ML features, including collision and terrain avoidance mechanisms, enhancing their utility in agriculture.

Competition and Collaboration:

While the drone industry in India is witnessing rapid growth, it faces competition, primarily from China, which leads the global drone market. IoTechWorld Avigation, however, distinguishes itself through its research partnerships with key institutions and its commitment to creating awareness among farmers.

The Road Ahead:

The future looks promising for IoTechWorld Avigation as it anticipates a surge in demand for its agricultural drones, particularly in the upcoming rabi season. The company’s innovative approach, including the launch of a drone rental application, reflects its commitment to empowering farmers and advancing agricultural practices in India.

Deepak Bharadwaj and Anoop Upadhyay’s entrepreneurial journey with IoTechWorld Avigation exemplifies the transformative potential of drones in Indian agriculture. As pioneers in the field, they are not only making farming more efficient but also mitigating risks for farmers and increasing profitability. Their vision for IoTechWorld Avigation includes expanding their reach, raising awareness among farmers, and further enhancing agricultural practices with innovative drone solutions. In a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, Deepak and Anoop’s dedication to improving the lives of farmers through technology is indeed commendable.