February 3, 2025
Startup Updates

DroneAcharya Announces Strategic Merger with AVPL to Strengthen India’s Drone Industry

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations, a BSE-listed drone technology company, has signed a term sheet with AVPL International to establish a strategic joint venture. This move aims to boost drone manufacturing capabilities in India, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to drive innovation in drone technology.

The collaboration will focus on developing advanced drones for diverse applications, including agriculture, surveillance, and logistics. By combining DroneAcharya’s expertise in aerial innovations with AVPL’s extensive experience in drone training and manufacturing, the partnership is set to accelerate India’s self-reliance in the drone sector.

As part of this merger, the two companies have proposed naming the new entity ‘AVPL DroneAcharya’, marking the beginning of a stronger, more integrated presence in the Indian drone ecosystem.

AVPL, owned by AITMC Ventures Ltd, has a nationwide presence spanning 12 states. It operates 50 Global Incubation and Skill Hubs (GISH) and 20 World Incubation and Skill Hubs (WISH), focusing on drone technology and agricultural advancements. The company is actively engaged in drone training, drone-as-a-service (DaaS), manufacturing, and agri-input retail operations.

In FY24, AITMC Ventures witnessed a remarkable 95.2% growth in operating revenue, reaching ₹41.87 crore, while its profits surged 82.6% to ₹8.84 crore, signaling strong financial performance and expansion.

To align its workforce with its growth strategy, DroneAcharya has also introduced an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). This initiative aims to boost employee engagement, retention, and motivation, ensuring that key personnel remain committed to the company’s long-term vision.

DroneAcharya made a significant impact when it went public in December 2022 on the BSE SME platform, debuting at a 90% premium. The company’s share price has remained strong, trading at ₹110.15 per share as of January 23, 2025.

With this merger, DroneAcharya and AVPL are poised to reshape India’s drone landscape by expanding manufacturing capabilities, fostering innovation, and meeting the rising demand for drones across various industries. The partnership reflects a strong commitment to technological advancement and is expected to play a crucial role in the future of unmanned aerial systems in India