Drone Policy 2023 Uttarakhand — Grants for Drone Startups & Manufacturers — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a policy brought in by the Government of Uttarakhand to encourage drone technology across the state. The Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), working under the state's Department of Information Technology, is the body that implements it. The policy funds and rewards drone-related activity so that drones can be used more widely for services and governance, and so that a drone industry takes root in the state.

The amount varies. The policy works through incentive schemes and rewards rather than a single announced figure, so the sum depends on the specific incentive you apply under and on the merit of your proposal. For the exact quantum applicable to your case, you need to check with the ITDA office.

Drone service providers, drone manufacturers, drone industries and drone investors are covered, as are drone-related startups. Beyond companies, the policy also extends to the youth of Uttarakhand, universities, ITIs, polytechnic colleges and government institutions.

No. The programme is rolling and always open, so there is no application deadline to meet. You can approach the ITDA at any point during the year.

The policy does not list DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or any similar certification as a condition of eligibility. Since separate incentives under the policy can carry their own conditions, it is still worth confirming the requirements for your particular incentive with the ITDA.

No. The support is described as non-repayable funding given as incentives and rewards, so it is not structured as a repayable loan. Nothing in the policy describes the state taking an equity stake or ownership share in an applicant's business in return for the support.

Quite a few. The policy provides incubation support, training workshops and networking opportunities, and it helps with grants facilitation. It also encourages the setting up of Drone Centres of Excellence and backs collaboration between industry, academic institutions and government bodies.

Applications are submitted offline through the Information Technology Development Agency. The place to start is the ITDA office itself, which handles inquiries about the process and the documents you will need. Policy guidelines are also published at https://itda.uk.gov.in/policy-guidelines.

The policy does not publish a fixed document list. ITDA advises applicants on the necessary paperwork when they make their inquiry, so it is best to contact the office first and prepare the documents as directed before you file your application.

Selection is merit-based. Startups, companies and individuals who excel in drone manufacturing and drone-related services are the ones the policy intends to reward. The ITDA reviews applications to establish both eligibility and merit before any incentive is granted, and the finer details of the evaluation can be obtained from the ITDA office.

Drone Policy 2023 Uttarakhand — Grants for Drone Startups & Manufacturers is offered by Information Technology Development Agency, Government of Uttarakhand, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.