In a world increasingly driven by technological advancements, IG Drones stands out as a beacon of innovation and ambition. Founded in 2018 by Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, the company has quickly risen to prominence, transforming India’s drone industry through indigenous technology and cutting-edge solutions. With a vision to reduce dependence on foreign systems and harness the power of drones for defense, industrial, infrastructure, and agricultural applications, IG Drones has made remarkable strides. From pioneering India’s first 5G-enabled drone to training thousands through its Centres of Excellence, IG Drones is not just shaping the skies but also building a future-ready workforce. In an exclusive interview with Tech Achieve Media, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Drones highlights the inspiring journey of IG Drones and shares insights into the company’s roadmap to redefine the drone ecosystem and solidify India’s position as a global leader in this domain.
TAM: IG Drones has grown from a team of 6 to now over 150 employees across 5 cities. Could you share some insights into your decision to form IG Drones, and what you wished to achieve through the company?
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya: IG Drones was founded in 2018 with the vision of transforming India’s drone industry through indigenous technology and innovation. Our journey started with a strong belief that India could reduce its dependence on foreign drone solutions while fostering local expertise. Having led Asia’s first student rocketry mission at VSSUT, we saw the potential of aerospace technology to solve real-world challenges. Today, IG Drones provides AI-powered drone solutions for defense, industrial, infrastructure, and agriculture, ensuring India remains at the forefront of the global drone revolution and set to achieve the goal to be Global Drone Hub by 2030.
TAM: IG Drones has grown exponentially, securing $1 million in funding and expanding to multiple offices. Can you share what specific factors, both internal and external, contributed to this rapid growth, and how do you plan to sustain it in the coming years?
Bodhisattva Sanghapriya: Our exponential growth stems from a combination of cutting-edge innovation, strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on industry needs with a strong focus on Research and Development. By developing AI-powered drone solutions & India’s first 5G-enabled drone, we’ve addressed critical gaps in defense, surveillance, and various industries. Government support, rising demand for indigenous drone technology, and our commitment to skilling the next generation through Drone Centres of Excellence have been key drivers. Moving forward, we plan to expand globally, invest further in R&D, and strengthen collaborations to solidify our leadership in the drone ecosystem.
TAM: How do you envision AI and drone technology evolving together, particularly in defense sectors, and what role will IG Drones play in shaping this landscape?
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya: AI and drones are set to revolutionize defense by enabling autonomous surveillance, predictive threat detection, and precision strikes. With AI-driven analytics, drones can enhance situational awareness and reduce operational risks for armed forces. IG Drones is at the forefront of this evolution, integrating AI with drone technology for real-time intelligence, high-precision mapping, and secure border surveillance. Our solutions, such as AI-powered drone simulators, are shaping the future of unmanned warfare, ensuring India remains self-reliant and technologically advanced in defense.
TAM: You’ve collaborated with global leaders and the Government of India on projects like surveillance for the Dhola Sadiya Bridge and international ventures in Japan. How do you navigate the challenges of such high-stakes collaborations, and what has been the most transformative partnership for IG Drones?
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya: Navigating high-stakes collaborations requires a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, regulatory frameworks, and technological adaptability. Our partnerships with the Indian government and global leaders have been built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. One of our most transformative projects was securing critical infrastructure using drones for the Dhola Sadiya Bridge, India’s longest bridge. This reinforced the importance of drones in national security. Our international collaborations, such as with Japan, have also helped us refine our technology and expand our global footprint.
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TAM: With the launch of India’s first 5G drone and your ambition to capture 5% of the Indian drone industry by 2027, what specific innovations or disruptions do you foresee that will allow IG Drones to maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly growing industry?
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya: The future of drone tech lies in AI, automation, and real-time data analytics. With our 5G-enabled drone, IG Drones Jaga, we are pioneering ultra-low latency communication for critical applications in defense, agriculture, and disaster management. Our integrated hardware-software approach, combined with deep learning algorithms, allows us to offer unmatched precision in surveying, mapping, and surveillance. By continuously investing in R&D and expanding our global presence, we aim to stay ahead of the curve and make India a hub for advanced drone technology.
TAM: What impact do you hope to make in terms of skill development and job creation through the IG Drones’ Centre of Excellence, and how does it align with your broader vision for the future of the drone industry in India?
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya: IG Drones’ Centre of Excellence is a cornerstone of our mission to build a skilled workforce for India’s drone ecosystem. By training over 50,000 individuals and collaborating with top institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and IIM Sambalpur and being a training partner for apex body NSDC, we are bridging the gap between education and industry. Our goal is to empower young professionals with hands-on expertise in drone tech, ensuring India not only becomes self-sufficient in drone manufacturing but also a global leader in drone-driven solutions. Through this initiative, we are creating jobs, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of India’s drone industry.
