L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch
Pitch your drone or aerial intelligence startup to L&T business leaders at this Demo Day co-hosted by L&T Manthan and StartupTN, opening doors to PoCs, partnerships, and potential investment from the L&T Innovation Fund.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Application deadline
- Closed (12 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
L&T Manthan, Larsen & Toubro's innovation platform, in partnership with StartupTN, is hosting a Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch on August 7, 2026, in Bengaluru. This is a unique opportunity for startups working on unmanned aerial systems to connect directly with decision-makers from L&T's key business verticals — Aerospace & Defence, Construction, Industrial Electronics, Geospatial, and Technology Services. The event is designed to help L&T identify cutting-edge drone and aerial intelligence solutions that can be adopted across its operations to improve efficiency, safety, and innovation. Selected startups get to present their innovations to a panel of experts and explore concrete collaborations including Proof of Concepts (PoCs), pilot projects, strategic partnerships, and potential funding from the L&T Innovation Fund. The programme reflects L&T's commitment to engaging with external innovators and strengthening India's drone ecosystem by giving startups a direct channel to a large industrial conglomerate.
Highlights
- Exclusive pitching event for drone & aerial intelligence startups
- Visited by decision-makers from four L&T business verticals
- Explore Proof of Concepts, pilot projects & strategic collaborations
- Potential strategic investment through the L&T Innovation Fund
- Application deadline: 12 July 2026
- Live Demo Day in Bengaluru on 7 August 2026
Who can apply
The call is open to startups developing drone technology and aerial intelligence solutions. This includes, but is not limited to, drone manufacturing, navigations systems, payload development, data analytics software, and UAV-based services for industries such as defence, construction, geospatial, industrial inspection, and infrastructure. While the programme does not mandate a specific company stage or registration status (e.g., DPIIT or MSME certification), solutions should be mature enough for a live demonstration and suitable for pilot implementation with L&T's business units. The team should demonstrate clear technical capability and market relevance.
L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch closed on 12 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Market Access & Visibility: Direct exposure to business leaders and subject matter experts from L&T's Aerospace & Defence, Construction, Industrial Electronics, Geospatial, and Technology Services sectors.
- Proof of Concepts (PoCs): Opportunity to build and test a PoC with one or more L&T business units, potentially validating your solution in a real-world industrial context.
- Strategic Partnerships: Pursue pilot projects, joint development, procurement, or manufacturing agreements with L&T.
- Investment Pathway: Promising startups may be evaluated for a strategic investment from the L&T Innovation Fund, offering growth capital and deep integration into L&T's ecosystem.
- Expert Feedback & Networking: Receive detailed feedback from industry veterans and build relationships with potential customers and partners.
About the provider
L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is offered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is delivered directly by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as a competition.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is designed to identify the most innovative and relevant drone and aerial intelligence solutions. Applications are first screened by a committee comprising experts from L&T's innovation and business units. They evaluate the startup's technology novelty, market fit, scalability, and alignment with L&T's strategic needs. Shortlisted startups are invited to the Demo Day in Bengaluru on August 7, 2026, where they present a live demonstration of their solution. A panel of L&T key decision-makers and industry leaders then assesses pitches on innovation, business potential, team capability, and feasibility for collaboration. Based on Demo Day outcomes, promising startups may be invited for further discussions to initiate PoCs, partnerships, or go through due diligence for potential investment from the L&T Innovation Fund.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of solutions is L&T looking for?
L&T is interested in all forms of drone and aerial intelligence technology — including hardware, software, analytics, and services — that can benefit its Aerospace & Defence, Construction, Industrial Electronics, Geospatial, or Technology Services operations. Some examples include navigation systems, sensor payloads, inspection drones, data analytics platforms, and beyond.
Is there any direct funding or prize money at the Demo Day?
The event does not offer a direct cash prize. However, selected startups get a pathway to funding through the L&T Innovation Fund, in addition to PoC partnerships that may involve financial support.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted via the official portal by July 12, 2026.
What do we need to submit in the application?
The application typically requires your company profile, details about the team, a pitch deck, an overview of your drone or aerial intelligence solution, information on market potential, and demonstrations or case studies of your product.
Is there an application fee?
No, the application process is completely free of charge.
Do I need to be registered with StartupTN?
While StartupTN is an ecosystem partner, the programme does not make StartupTN registration a mandatory eligibility requirement. All eligible drone and aerial intelligence startups are encouraged to apply.
What happens after the Demo Day?
Promising startups may be invited for deeper discussions with L&T business units to define and execute specific PoCs, explore formal partnerships, or proceed with due diligence processes for a strategic investment through the L&T Innovation Fund.
Are there any location restrictions for startups?
No, there are no restrictions on the state or city of the startup. However, you should be able to conduct a live demonstration at the event venue in Bengaluru on August 7, 2026.
Does L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch take equity?
No. L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Is DPIIT recognition required for L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who is eligible to apply for L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch?
L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch?
L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is offered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
How do I apply for L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
Alternatives to L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch
Not sure L&T Manthan Drone Demo Day & Startup Pitch is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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