Bengaluru | 17 December 2025: Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, a pioneer in indigenous navigation and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to establish a Drone Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This strategic collaboration aims to position India as a global leader in advanced drone technologies by integrating deep scientific research with industry‑driven engineering and real‑world applications.
A National Hub for Advanced UAV Research & Innovation
The newly established Drone CoE will serve as a premier centre for:
- Advanced UAV research and aerodynamics
- Autonomous flight systems and controls
- Cyber‑physical integration
- High‑precision navigation technologies
- Design, prototyping, and testing of next‑gen aerial platforms
By combining Zuppa’s cyber‑physical technology stack with IISc’s globally recognised expertise in robotics, systems engineering, and aerodynamics, the CoE will accelerate the development of indigenous drone technologies tailored for India’s diverse operational environments.
Driving Innovation Across High‑Impact Sectors
The CoE will focus on drone solutions for:
- Defence and surveillance
- Agriculture and crop intelligence
- Logistics and last‑mile delivery
- Disaster response and emergency management
- Smart city infrastructure and monitoring
The partnership aims to create scalable, reliable, and cost‑efficient UAV systems that address India’s unique terrain, climate, and operational challenges.
Sai Pattabiram, Founder & Managing Director, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said: “At Zuppa, our mission has always been to spearhead indigenous innovation in UAV and navigation systems. Establishing this Centre of Excellence at IISc is a milestone in our journey, bringing together academic excellence and industry‑driven technological leadership. Together, we aim to create world‑class solutions that will not only transform drone innovation in India but also set global benchmarks.”
A senior representative from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IISc Bengaluru, added: “By establishing this CoE in collaboration with Zuppa, we aim to advance cutting‑edge UAV research that integrates deep scientific insights with practical industry applications. This partnership will create a strong foundation for innovations in drone design, autonomy, and performance.”
Strengthening India’s Self‑Reliance in UAV Technologies
The Drone CoE marks a significant step toward:
- Enhancing India’s technological sovereignty in UAV systems
- Building a pipeline of highly skilled researchers and engineers
- Accelerating indigenous R&D in cyber‑physical systems
- Supporting national missions in defence, agriculture, and smart infrastructure
The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for advanced aerospace and autonomous systems.
About Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies
Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies is an Indian technology company specialising in indigenous navigation systems, UAVs, and cyber‑physical platforms. With a strong focus on innovation, self‑reliance, and scalable applications, Zuppa develops advanced navigation and drone solutions for defence, agriculture, logistics, disaster response, and smart infrastructure.
