Operation Dronagiri

About Operation Dronagiri

Operation Dronagiri is a strategic initiative under the National Geospatial Policy (NGP) introduced by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in December 2022. The NGP aims to make India a global leader in geospatial technology by fostering innovation, liberalizing access to geospatial data, and driving economic and social development through the effective use of this technology. Operation Dronagiri, the first phase of the NGP implementation, is designed to demonstrate the tangible benefits of geospatial technology across three key sectors: Agriculture, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Livelihoods & Skilling.

Operation Dronagiri will be rolled out in November 2024 in six districts in five selected states: Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sonipat and Gurugram in Haryana, Kamrup in Assam, Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh and Washim in Maharashtra. The initiative will focus on district-level implementation to ensure localized solutions and direct impact. Each district will serve as a pilot for deploying geospatial solutions to address sector-specific challenges.

Role of IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation (TIF) as a Geospatial Innovation Accelerator (GIA)

The Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation (TIF) – iHub AWaDH functions as a recognized Geospatial Innovation Accelerator (GIA) under Operation Dronagiri, playing a critical role in enabling startup-led geospatial innovation for governance applications. As a GIA, iHub AWaDH @ IIT Ropar provides structured institutional support to selected startups, facilitating mentorship, technical guidance, ecosystem enablement, and stakeholder engagement.

Through focused interactions and deployment-driven engagements, IIT Ropar TIF supports startups in translating drone-based mapping, geospatial analytics, and location intelligence into scalable and deployable solutions aligned with public-sector requirements. The GIA framework enables rapid prototyping, validation, data integration, and alignment with departmental needs, while addressing implementation challenges, scalability pathways, and institutional adoption.

Network of Geospatial Innovation Accelerators

Building a collaborative ecosystem for deep-tech entrepreneurship.

IIT Ropar – AWaDH

IIT Tirupati – Navavishkar

IIT Bombay – SINE

IIM Calcutta – IP

IIT Kanpur – FIRST

Support Provided by IIT Ropar – TIF (iHub-AWaDH) to Startups

As a Geospatial Innovation Accelerator (GIA) under Operation Dronagiri, IIT Ropar (AWaDH) actively supports geospatial startups by enabling ecosystem engagement, technology acceleration, and strong government linkages.

100S100D (100 Startups × 100 Days) and India AI Impact Summit

IIT Ropar – TIF (iHub-AWaDH) supports startups through participation in national-level initiatives such as 100S100D (100 Startups × 100 Days) and flagship events like the India AI Impact Summit. These platforms enable startups to showcase their innovations, validate solutions, and engage with a broad network of stakeholders.

Participation in the India AI Impact Summit provides startups with national visibility and exposure to policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and investors. The summit enables knowledge exchange, collaboration opportunities, and alignment of startup solutions with emerging priorities in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Together, these initiatives help startups accelerate adoption, refine their solutions, and scale innovations with measurable impact across governance, industry, and society.

Startup Support at GeoSmart India – New Delhi

Visibility at a premier national geospatial platform
Opportunities to showcase innovations to policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts
Networking with potential customers, investors, and strategic collaborators

Global Micro Accelerator Program

Exposure to international markets and global best practices
Mentorship from global experts
Opportunities for cross-border collaboration and scaling
Deeptech ecosystem and fund raising
IP Filing strategy and common mistakes by startups

Stakeholder Engagement and Ongoing Support

IIT Ropar – TIF (iHub-AWaDH) facilitates time-to-time and continuous engagement with key stakeholders, including Central and State Government departments, industry partners, academia, and research organizations. These interactions help startups align their solutions with real-world requirements, governance challenges, and policy priorities, while receiving timely guidance and ecosystem support.

End-to-End Startup Enablement

Strategic guidance and mentorship to help startups refine their value proposition, establish strong problem–solution fit, validate technology readiness, and align with national and global innovation priorities.

International exposure and collaboration by connecting startups with global innovation ecosystems, including Israel, enabling cross-border partnerships, joint development initiatives, and access to global market insights.

Investor and strategic networking through curated engagements with venture capitalists, corporate partners, industry leaders, and relevant government stakeholders to accelerate funding and commercialization pathways.

Institutional and policy enablement via strategic alliances, government-linked innovation platforms, and advisory support to streamline compliance, approvals, and international market entry.

In essence, IIT Ropar TIF serves as a holistic startup enabler, empowering innovators to transition seamlessly from concept to commercialization and scale confidently in global markets.

Reports

Open Report

AWaDH Startups Under Operation Dronagiri

CYRAN AI SOLUTIONS PVT LTD

CultYvate PVT LTD

OXBOW INTELLECT PRIVATE LIMITED

NAVARITI INNOVATION PVT LTD