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IIT Bombay has been selected to helm the Government of India’s ambitious ‘Pushpak – National Mission on Drone Technology,’ a major initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to accelerate the development and deployment of homegrown drone technologies across critical sectors.

Backed by a grant-in-aid of Rs. 82.7 crore, Pushpak brings together seven top-tier institutions, each with a unique focus area, to collaboratively build a self-reliant drone ecosystem for the country. The mission, which officially began a few weeks ago, will run for four years.

In addition to IIT Bombay, participating institutes include:

–  CDAC-Thiruvananthapuram
–  CDAC-Bengaluru
–  IIT Gandhinagar
–  IISER Bhopal,
–  Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) Mumbai
–  Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamil Nadu

The mission is designed to bridge advanced research and real-world applications, integrating industry collaboration, rigorous field testing, and rapid commercialization of drone solutions. A National Steering Committee comprising senior officials and domain experts will provide strategic oversight throughout its course.

IIT Bombay’s contributions to the mission will focus on the development of hybrid drones, indigenous processors, and unmanned aerial systems designed for disaster response, coastal surveillance, and other specialized scenarios. The Institute will also serve as a hub for facilitating partnerships between academia and industry to accelerate the creation of next-generation drone platforms.

Speaking about the mission’s broader goals, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said, “By bridging the gap between research and deployment, this mission aims to create a robust, self-reliant drone ecosystem from novel solutions to secure communication systems and a wide range of applications fuelling technological growth and industrial transformation across sectors.”

The mission also places strong emphasis on building long-term capabilities in artificial intelligence integration, UAV traffic management, and domestically manufactured drones tailored to India’s diverse needs. Prof. Kedare noted that the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on foreign technology, generate employment opportunities, and enhance safety and security infrastructure.

Pushpak’s scope extends beyond innovation and deployment—it will also nurture talent and entrepreneurship by offering incubation support for drone start-ups and advanced training for students and researchers working in this fast-evolving space.

With its legacy of pioneering research and technological excellence, IIT Bombay is uniquely positioned to lead this national effort. By spearheading the Pushpak Mission, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s scientific capabilities and translating innovation into impact. As the mission unfolds, IIT Bombay will serve as a critical engine driving indigenous drone technology from concept to deployment—strengthening national security, empowering industry, and training the next generation of engineers and innovators.

For more, click here: Hindustan Times / MSN