AICTE and IG Drones Collaborate to Launch 50 Drone Centres of Excellence Across India

The All- India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has partnered with IG Drones to establish 50 Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across engineering colleges in India. This initiative aims to train 200 students from each institution, totaling over 10,000 learners, in drone operations, manufacturing, and applications.

AICTE Chairman T.G. Sitharam emphasized that these centers will democratize access to advanced technology, promote inclusion, and encourage students to launch startups in high-end drone sectors. IG Drones Founder Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya highlighted the goal of building a 'Made in India' drone ecosystem powered by local talent. The first such center was established in Odisha in February.

Bridging the Skill Gap in Emerging Technologies

The initiative aligns with the national goals of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘ AtmanirbharBharat’ (Self-Reliant India), seeking to equip students with industry-relevant skills that will prepare them for the evolving job market. By bridging the skill gap in sectors like unmanned aerial systems, this partnership will facilitate not only technical knowledge but also foster entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

The CoEs will serve as innovation hubs, offering hands-on experience with real-world drone applications in industries such as agriculture, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, mining, and public safety. In addition, students will have access to certification programs and exposure to research and product development projects in drone technology.

Speaking about the initiative, AICTE Chairman Professor T.G. Sitharam emphasized the council’s commitment to democratizing access to high-end technologies. “These Centres of Excellence will ensure that the benefits of advanced drone technology reach students across all regions, especially those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities,” he said. He also mentioned that such initiatives will make education inclusive and innovation-driven, laying the foundation for a future-ready India.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones, expressed that the collaboration is part of their larger mission to build a robust, Made-in-India drone ecosystem. “Through these Centres of Excellence, we aim to nurture a generation of skilled professionals capable of designing, operating, and innovating drone-based solutions for a wide range of industries,” he said. The company plans to focus on community development, skill-building, and job creation in line with national digital and industrial goals.