IGDTUW Secures ₹8 Crore to Establish Advanced Drone Technology Centre
In a significant move to empower women in cutting-edge technology, the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) has received official approval for a ₹8 crore allocation to set up an Advanced Drone Technology Centre. The funding comes from the Training and Technical Education Department of the Delhi Government, marking a major milestone in the institution’s efforts to drive research and innovation in unmanned aerial systems.
Boosting Indigenous Drone Research and Skill Development
The proposed centre is expected to accelerate the development of indigenous drone technology, foster advanced research, and strengthen skill-building initiatives across the country. With this investment, IGDTUW aims to become a hub for next-generation drone innovation, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning integrated drone systems, drone fabrication, and rigorous testing protocols.
The Delhi Knowledge Development Foundation (DKDF), operating under the state’s training and technical education department, has sanctioned the funds for establishing the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Drone Technology at the university. This initiative aligns with broader national goals of promoting self-reliance in critical and emerging technologies.
University to Contribute Additional ₹2.4 Crore
Beyond the sanctioned amount, IGDTUW will invest an additional ₹2.4 crore from its own resources to support the project’s operational and research activities. This combined funding will be channeled into developing state-of-the-art laboratories, acquiring modern software tools, and building advanced research infrastructure. Students and researchers will have access to facilities designed for hands-on work in some of the most futuristic domains of drone technology.
Expert Team to Lead AI-Driven Drone Research
The centre will be led by Professor Ranjana Jha, Vice Chancellor of IGDTUW. A distinguished team of senior experts, including Professor Brijesh Kumar, Professor A.K. Mahapatra, and Professor Deepti Chhabra, will form the core project team. Their collective expertise will guide research across multiple specialized areas, including:
- AI and machine learning-based drone systems
- Autonomous UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology
- Drone manufacturing and testing procedures
- Simulation technologies for real-world applications
- Drone forensics and counter-UAV systems
These focus areas are expected to open up new avenues for interdisciplinary research and practical innovation, giving students the opportunity to work on challenges that have direct implications for defence, agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
Building on a Legacy of Drone Innovation
IGDTUW has already established a strong reputation in the drone technology space through initiatives like the Netra Nari and Netritva campaigns, which have demonstrated the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and social impact. The new centre will build on this foundation, providing a powerful platform for students and researchers to engage with AI-driven drone systems and advanced UAV technologies.
Professor Ranjana Jha described the approval as a crucial step toward strengthening indigenous drone capabilities, research output, and skill development in the country. She emphasized that the centre would serve as an empowering space for women to lead in technology fields that are traditionally underrepresented, while also contributing to the nation’s strategic technological ambitions.
With this investment, IGDTUW is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of drone research in India, ensuring that women are at the forefront of the technological revolution sweeping the aerospace and automation sectors.
