UDAAN – UAV / UAS / Drone Acceleration Program (Drone CoE, IIT Kanpur)
Offered By - IIT Kanpur
About the Program
UDAAN is a UAV/UAS/Drone-focused acceleration and networking program launched by the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur, under the Drone Centre of Excellence (CoE). The program is designed to support startups and innovators working in drone and unmanned aerial systems by providing access to advanced infrastructure, technical guidance, and industry connections.
The initiative aims to accelerate innovation in drone technology through a collaborative ecosystem involving academia, industry, and government stakeholders. It focuses on enabling startups to conduct real-world UAV testing, refine product design, and move toward commercialization through structured support and access to specialized facilities .
A key aspect of UDAAN is its strong infrastructure backbone. Startups gain access to state-of-the-art labs, testing environments, and research facilities within IIT Kanpur, including wind tunnels, simulation tools, propulsion labs, and flight testing infrastructure. This makes the program particularly relevant for startups that require hardware testing and validation support, which is often a major bottleneck in drone innovation.
The program also integrates mentorship, regulatory guidance, and business support, helping startups navigate compliance requirements, certification processes, and go-to-market strategies. Additionally, startups are supported in accessing government funding schemes and connecting with industry stakeholders.
UDAAN is best suited for startups that have already built a product (minimum MVP) and are looking to validate, test, and scale their drone-based solutions. It may not be suitable for idea-stage founders without a working product or technical direction.
Offerings / Benefits:
- Funding support up to ₹10 Lakhs under UDAAN
- Access to state-of-the-art labs, testing facilities, and workspaces
- UAV testing infrastructure (wind tunnel, flight testing, simulation tools, etc.)
- Mentorship and guidance on business models and commercialization
- Support in navigating regulatory and certification requirements
- Access to industry networking events and investor connects
- Assistance in applying for government funding schemes (iDEX, TDF, TDB, etc.)
Sectors Supported:
Drone Technology
UAV / UAS
Aerospace / Defence Tech
Funding & Benefits
This program offers a combination of financial support, mentorship, and ecosystem access to help startups grow and scale their solutions effectively.
Funding
Investor Connect
Lab Access
Mentorship
Networking
Beyond funding, programs like this provide credibility, exposure, and strategic support that can significantly accelerate a startup’s growth journey.
Who Can Apply / Eligibility
- Startup stage: Early-stage (minimum MVP) to growth/scale stage
- Team requirement: At least two full-time founders
- Sector focus: UAV / UAS / Drone technology
- Company requirement: DPIIT-registered startup, incorporated as a Private Limited company
- Problem focus: Must address a real-world challenge
- Revenue cap: Annual turnover not exceeding ₹3 crores
Selection Process
- Application submission
- Evaluation and shortlisting
- Accelerator phase participation
- Innovation showcase / networking event
How to Apply
- Visit the official application form provided below
- Fill in startup and product details
- Submit application through the provided form link
Frequently Asked Questions
- Startup stage: Early-stage (minimum MVP) to growth/scale stage
- Team requirement: At least two full-time founders
- Sector focus: UAV / UAS / Drone technology
- Company requirement: DPIIT-registered startup, incorporated as a Private Limited company
- Problem focus: Must address a real-world challenge
- Revenue cap: Annual turnover not exceeding ₹3 crores