What is your opinion on the recent National Geospatial Policy 2022? What are the new opportunities that will be open for the drone and GIS industry?
The National Geospatial Policy 2022, recently introduced in India, has significant implications for the drone industry. With clear guidelines and standardization, drone operators understand their roles and responsibilities in geospatial data collection, fostering growth for the environment. The policy opens up new opportunities for drones in sectors like agriculture, urban planning, infrastructure development, disaster management and environmental monitoring. Drones enhance surveying, mapping, and infrastructure projects while contributing to environmental conservation and emergency response efforts. Geospatial data collected by drones can be analyzed with AI and data analytics for valuable insights. Overall, the policy creates business opportunities and jobs, but successful implementation will depend on effective execution, collaboration, and technological adaptation. There is a need for employment in the drone sector and thus this will create entrepreneurs in rural India.
What are the key technologies/solutions provided by Garuda Aerospace for the Drone industry?
Drones are increasingly being utilized in various industries such as agriculture, construction, and logistics offering cost-effective and efficient solutions for tasks like aerial surveying, inspection, mapping, delivery, and data collection. Currently, Garuda Aerospace manufacturers 30+ different types of Drones and offer over 50 types of services such as Precision agriculture spray, industry 4.0 upgradation services, structural damage inspection, warehouse management for Flipkart and Delivery, Seed dropping, Solar panel cleaning, Project monitoring, Drone delivery of medicines for hospitals and drone delivery of packages for Food Tech startup like swiggy are some of the use cases of drones that Garuda Specialise in. Garuda’s Kisan Drones in the fields help improve crop yields, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, flagged off 100 Kisan Drones in 100 Villages in India, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the Brand Ambassador, Garuda Aerospace started scaling to new heights.
What are some of the challenges that Garuda Aerospace faces and how are you planning to overcome them?
The only challenge Garuda Aerospace faced was the willingness of foreign tech giants to cement OEM partnerships with Indian Drone Startups and bridge the technology divide. It was essential for our company to keep evolving and constantly innovating. Additionally, the drone industry was grappling with challenges related to demand and supply. The demand for drones outweighed the supply, and this put drone companies at a crossroads when it came to hiring. Furthermore, the Agri-drone industry faced several challenges, particularly the lack of appropriate transport and mobility facilities for drones across different farms in villages. There was also a scarcity of skills related to drone operation and handling, making it difficult for companies to find qualified personnel. Moreover, the main challenge farmers faced in the agriculture industry was a lack of knowledge about technology and drones, hindering the adoption of drone technology for agricultural purposes. Garuda Aerospace has successfully resolved these challenges and has overcome them.
What are the recent innovations of Garuda Aerospace in India and Worldwide?
Garuda Aerospace is built on innovation. Most of our drones are loaded with AI and ML making them intuitive and adaptive. Garuda Kisan Drones have proved to have a positive impact in farming. Garuda Aerospace has launched multiple types of drones. Its Kisan drone is the most innovative solution as it reduces manual Labour, saves time and efforts. Recently Garuda Aerospace demonstrated its revolutionary new VAYU drone. This mapping and surveying drone features a payload capacity of 1.5 kg and a maximum take-off weight of 13.5 kg. Its high-resolution 20 MP camera provides exceptional clarity and precision for the capture of detailed images and data in mapping and surveying missions. The VAYU drone boasts a range of 150 km and a flying speed of 27 m/s. The company unveiled the drone at an event in Paris. Earlier this year, Garuda Aerospace also participated in World Economic Forum 2023 to unveil the first-ever carbon-neutral drone at the Indian Sustainability Lounge, Davos.
What are the opportunities/advice for young entrepreneurs and startups who want to associate with you?
Garuda Aerospace welcomes young entrepreneurs and startups who are passionate about drone technology and its potential to revolutionize various industries. As a leading player in the drone industry, we offer exciting opportunities for collaboration and partnership. We advise young entrepreneurs to focus on innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology that can complement and enhance our existing offerings. By leveraging our expertise and resources, startups can accelerate their growth and access a wider market. We encourage startups to approach us with ideas and proposals that align with our vision of creating a sustainable and impactful drone ecosystem. Together, we can shape the future of the drone industry and create lasting value for our customers and society.
Can you brief us on the advantages of using GIS, IoT, AI & ML and drone technology compared to old methods? At present or in near future do you have any specific requirement of GIS, IT, AI-ML & drones?
Using GIS (Geographic Information System), IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), and drone technology offer significant advantages compared to traditional methods in various industries and applications. GIS enables spatial analysis, mapping, and real-time updates for better decision-making, while IoT provides data collection and automation for improved efficiency. AI and ML processes vast data, offering predictive analytics and automation, and drones enable aerial data capture, inspection, and surveillance quickly and safely. As a drone services and solutions company, Garuda Aerospace requires the above solutions. Garuda Aerospace drones are equipped with AI and ML technology solutions. Garuda Kisan Drones are loaded with AI and ML (AI is powered by Amazon Web Services, ML is powered by Cognizant) developed to spray 25-30 acres per day and is customizable for a variety of different payloads.
Any specialized Geo-spatial or drone or photogrammetry or lidar application software training course design and develop for new startup companies?
Garuda Aerospace offers specialized Geo-spatial, drone, photogrammetry, and LiDAR application software training courses designed to cater to the needs of new startup companies in the drone industry. These training courses are tailored to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in using specific software tools and technologies relevant to Geo-spatial data processing, drone operations, photogrammetric mapping, and LiDAR data analysis. The courses cover topics such as data acquisition, data processing, image stitching, 3D modeling, point cloud analysis, and GIS integration. The training is conducted by industry experts with extensive experience in the field, ensuring that startup companies gain practical skills and expertise to leverage these advanced technologies effectively in their operations. Garuda Aerospace’s training programs aim to empower new startups with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly evolving Geo-spatial and drone industry. The company aims to empower
How is Garuda Aerospace working towards creating a sustainable future? And is Garuda Aerospace able to manage a successful outreach strategy?
Garuda Aerospace is committed to creating a sustainable future through various initiatives. They focus on promoting drone technology for precision agriculture, which helps optimize resource usage, reduce wastage, and improve farming practices, leading to more sustainable agriculture. Additionally, their drone-based solutions for industries like logistics and energy contribute to efficient operations, reducing carbon footprints and minimizing environmental impact. Garuda Aerospace also strives to contribute to skill development and job creation by training drone pilots and empowering youth with technological expertise. In terms of outreach strategy, Garuda Aerospace has been successful in establishing a strong presence in the drone industry. Their collaborations with global giants, strategic partnerships, and extensive drone fleet have enabled them to reach diverse markets. They have made significant progress in scaling up their business and gaining recognition for their innovative solutions. Moreover, their participation in government tenders and partnerships with organizations like NDRF demonstrate their effective outreach and impact in various sectors. Garuda Aerospace is India’s first drone startup to receive both, Type Certification and RTPO approvals by DGCA for our indigenously designed Kisan Drones.
Finally, what is your perception of Indian Drone Industry? What are your suggestions for upcoming Start-ups?
Garuda Aerospace views the Indian Drone Industry as highly promising and dynamic, with significant growth potential. The industry has witnessed increasing adoption in various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and defense. As a leading player in the industry, Garuda Aerospace recognizes the importance of innovation, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships to stay ahead in this competitive landscape. For upcoming startups, our suggestions would be to focus on cutting-edge technology, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable practices. Embracing emerging trends like AI, ML, IoT, and automation while investing in talent development and continuous research and development will help startups thrive in the Indian Drone Industry and contribute to its success. In this evolving landscape, the rising popularity of the drone industry and recent IPOs are positive indicators of its growth trajectory. Garuda Aerospace is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities with innovative solutions, large drone fleet, and strategic partnerships. As the industry gains traction, we believe startups should focus on differentiation through technology and customer-centric approaches while adhering to regulatory guidelines. By embracing sustainability and investing in talent and R&D, startups can carve a niche for themselves and drive the Indian Drone Industry forward into a promising future. Garuda Aerospace aims to be a unicorn startup by 2025.
Can you share with us your journey from the Start, What is the story behind Garuda Aerospace?
An alumnus of the Harvard Business School and serving under the UN Assistant Secretary General- Madam Lakshmi Puri, Agnishwar was preparing many impact reports on the power of youth and emerging technology. He always wondered how impactful the unison would be especially in a developing country like India. India is home to the largest youth population in the world and is a huge chance for potential drone technology to be leveraged. This powerful combination could be used to disrupt multibillion-dollar sectors at once and that moment led to the building of Garuda Aerospace. Garuda Aerospace was founded in 2015 and now has grown to over a 200+ team.
What is the key differentiator between Garuda Aerospace and the other Leaders of the Drone industry?
Garuda Aerospace has established itself as a prominent player in the drone industry with several key differentiators setting them apart from other leaders in the field. Their primary distinction lay in their advanced drone technology, incorporating innovative features such as improved flight stability, extended flight times, and cutting-edge data processing capabilities. Moreover, Garuda Aerospace focused on providing customized solutions for various industries, catering to specific needs in sectors like agriculture, surveying, and public safety. The company’s global reach and international presence further distinguished them, as they undertook projects and served clients on a worldwide scale with Lockheed Martin, Cognizant, Elbit Systems etc. Committed to research and development, Garuda continuously pursued technological advancements, staying ahead of competitors and delivering superior drone solutions. Notably, their strong emphasis on customer support, comprehensive training programs, and exceptional after-sales services enhanced the overall customer experience, contributing to their reputation as a leader in the drone industry.
What is your take on the Recent IPO’s and the Rising popularity of the drone Industry?
Garuda Aerospace views the recent IPOs in the drone industry as a positive sign of the rising popularity and growth potential of the sector. The increasing number of companies going public indicates the confidence of investors in the drone industry’s future prospects. The IPOs also provide validation to the market and attract more attention and investments, which can further fuel innovation and expansion within the industry. The rising popularity of drones across various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, construction, and defense, presents immense opportunities for companies like Garuda Aerospace to scale up and create a significant impact. Garuda Aerospace is well-positioned to capitalize on the rising popularity of the drone industry with its innovative solutions, large drone fleet, and strategic partnerships. The company’s strong foothold in the market and its commitment to cutting-edge technology and quality services make it well-equipped to take advantage of the growing opportunities in the drone industry and contribute to its continued success. Garuda Aerospace aims to go public by 2025. The company will soon become India’s first ever Drone Unicorn Startup.
As a drone logistics player, what is your goal for the next 5 years?
Garuda Aerospace stands as India’s leading drone manufacturing company, disrupting two significant multi-billion dollar sectors: Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Their primary focus lies in building advanced drone solutions for the agriculture and defence industries, with an asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic approach. Specializing in the design, construction, and customization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones, Garuda Aerospace prioritizes not only delivering high-quality services but also promoting safety, security, and compliance within the drone industry. As the usage of drones is expected to grow substantially in the near future, they are poised to play a critical role in delivering medicines and goods to rural and inaccessible areas during emergencies. In urban settings, these drones serve as vital carriers of emergency supplies during calamities. Garuda Aerospace’s drones have already proven their significance in disaster management and emergency situations in the past year. The company envisions equipping drones with advanced features such as facial recognition software, temperature control, and sturdy payload delivery boxes to ensure the safe transport of packages while avoiding obstacles. While current drones can carry around 15-20 kgs of goods, ongoing technological developments are expected to enable much higher payload capacities. Garuda Aerospace has already demonstrated its commitment to social impact by deploying drones for rescue and relief operations during various crises, including the Chamoli glacier burst in Uttarakhand, locust control in Rajasthan, and support for flood situations in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Their continued dedication to deploying drones for various medical scenarios has created a significant positive impact. With their relentless pursuit of technological advancements and their focus on critical sectors like agriculture and defence, Garuda Aerospace remains at the forefront of India’s drone industry, poised to contribute significantly to the nation’s development and humanitarian efforts.
