UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program

The UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program is an acceleration initiative led by SIIC IIT Kanpur, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre at IIT Kanpur. This program leverages the institution's strong academic and research capabilities to support innovative ventures. It is specifically designed to empower drone startups and innovators, providing a comprehensive ecosystem to foster their development and growth within the rapidly evolving drone industry.

While direct funding from SIIC is determined on a case-by-case basis, the program offers significant financial guidance. Participating startups receive regular briefings on various funding opportunities and expert assistance in crafting compelling proposals and pitch decks. This support aims to significantly improve their chances of securing external financial backing. Furthermore, the program actively helps startups apply for relevant government funding schemes, including iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), TIDE, Genesis, TDB, and Make-1 & 2.

A key benefit of the UDAAN program is unparalleled access to the Center of Excellence, which allows startups to conduct essential UAV/UAS testing activities using specialized equipment and facilities. Participants also gain direct guidance from the esteemed faculty of IIT Kanpur, helping to streamline operations and accelerate their journey toward becoming established companies. The program culminates in a Demo Day, providing a platform for startups to showcase their progress to potential investors and partners. Additional support includes tailored mentorship pathways, opportunities for physical incubation space at SIIC after the program concludes, and facilitated connections with corporate entities and government agencies.

• Accelerator program by SIIC IIT Kanpur for drone and deeptech startups.
• Open to DPIIT-registered startups across all of India.
• Supports startups from MVP to growth/scale stages.
• Offers case-by-case equity funding from SIIC and assistance for government schemes.
• Provides exclusive access to UAV/UAS testing facilities at a Center of Excellence.
• Includes IIT Kanpur faculty guidance, tailored mentorship, and Demo Day opportunities.

The UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program is open to early-stage startups that possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as well as those in their growth or scale phases. Applicants must demonstrate initial market traction and present a clear strategy for commercialization.

A mandatory requirement for all applicants is registration as a DPIIT-recognized startup, aligning with national initiatives to support innovative Indian ventures. The program welcomes startups operating in the drone and deeptech sectors, including areas like robotics, IoT, and electronics. It is accessible to eligible startups from any state across India.

Eligible legal entities include Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Partnerships.

UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.

The UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program provides a range of significant benefits designed to accelerate startup growth:

• Direct funding from SIIC, determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Comprehensive financial guidance, including briefings on various funding programs and expert assistance in structuring proposals and pitch decks.
• Active support in applying for prominent government funding schemes such as iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), TIDE, Genesis, TDB, and Make-1 & 2.
• Exclusive access to a Center of Excellence for advanced UAV/UAS testing activities, utilizing specialized equipment and facilities.
• Direct guidance from esteemed IIT Kanpur faculty to refine operations and accelerate development.
• Opportunity to showcase progress to investors and partners at a dedicated Demo Day.
• Tailored mentorship to support specific learning paths and business challenges.
• Potential for physical incubation space at SIIC upon successful completion of the program.
• Facilitated connections with corporate entities and government agencies to foster partnerships and market access.

UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur as a equity. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Before you apply to UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program, keep these documents ready — note the program-specific requirements at the top:

• DPIIT (Startup India) recognition certificate — mandatory for this program
• Certificate of incorporation showing your startup is registered as private limited and llp
• 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.

UDAAN Drone Center of Excellence Program is best suited for product and revenue-stage space drone defense startups in India seeking an equity investment. Because DPIIT recognition is mandatory, it is aimed at startups already registered under Startup India. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.