Deadline Date: April 25, 2026
The Startup Incubation and Innovation Center (SIIC), IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Capacity Building, Training, and Design of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, has launched the UDAAN Acceleration and Networking Program to support and accelerate drone startups and entrepreneurs in India.
The program focuses on strengthening the UAV/UAS and drone ecosystem through acceleration support for startups, interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders from government, industry, and academia, promotion of capacity building and training, advancement of UAV/UAS design and innovation, access to funding support up to INR 10 lakhs under the UDAAN program, regulatory and compliance assistance, support in obtaining certifications, access to government funding schemes such as iDEX, TDF, TDB, Make-1 & 2, networking opportunities with investors and industry experts, mentorship for business model development and commercialization, and access to advanced research laboratories, testing infrastructure, and innovation facilities at IIT Kanpur.
The UDAAN program is designed to create a strong collaborative ecosystem where startups, researchers, manufacturers, developers, and service providers work together to advance drone technology. By integrating multiple stakeholders, the initiative aims to promote innovation and practical applications in the UAV sector.
Selected startups under the program will be provided with access to the Center of Excellence, enabling them to conduct UAV/UAS testing activities in a highly advanced technical environment. This access is intended to help startups validate and refine their technologies effectively.
Participants will also benefit from expert mentorship provided by faculty members of IIT Kanpur, supporting them in refining their technical and business strategies. This guidance is aimed at helping startups transition into scalable and sustainable enterprises.
The program further emphasizes support in navigating regulatory frameworks specific to the drone industry, ensuring startups are well-equipped to meet compliance and certification requirements essential for market readiness.
Startups will also gain exposure to investor networking events and industry meetups, providing opportunities to connect with potential investors and collaborators. In addition, they will receive assistance in exploring and applying for various government funding initiatives to support their growth journey.
The initiative is open to early-stage startups working in UAV, UAS, and drone technologies, particularly those with product readiness and innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. Eligible startups must also meet incorporation and operational criteria, including being registered as a private limited company and maintaining defined turnover limits.
The program offers access to a wide range of advanced facilities including indoor motion capture systems, wind tunnel testing, propulsion and manufacturing labs, UAV simulation tools, and specialized research centers, all aimed at supporting end-to-end product development and testing.
Through this structured support system, the UDAAN Acceleration and Networking Program aims to build a strong foundation for drone entrepreneurship and foster innovation-driven growth in the sector.
For more information, visit SIIC.
