NewKerala.com

Tamil Nadu Partners with Drone Firms to Build Statewide Aerial Ecosystem

The Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation (TNUAVC) is initiating partnerships with drone manufacturers and service providers to build a comprehensive drone ecosystem in the state. The initiative aims to integrate drone technology into key sectors like municipal administration, agriculture, policing, and disaster response. Eligible vendors must have a manufacturing facility, prior government supply experience, and DGCA certification for research and development. This structured ecosystem is part of Tamil Nadu's broader vision to become a technology and innovation hub in sunrise sectors like unmanned systems.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu to Build Statewide Drone Ecosystem via Industry Tie-Ups

  • TNUAVC to empanel certified drone manufacturers
  • Focus on service providers with govt project experience
  • Tech deployment in agriculture, policing, disaster response
  • DGCA certification mandatory for R&D
  • Aims to boost indigenous innovation and safety
2 min read

TN to build statewide drone ecosystem through TNUAVC-industry tie-ups

Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation partners with drone manufacturers and service providers to deploy tech across governance sectors.

"The vendor must have an established drone manufacturing facility and should have supplied at least five drones to government agencies. - Senior Official, Higher Education Department"

Chennai, Feb 28

In a major push to strengthen technology-driven governance, the Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Corporation, functioning under the Higher Education Department, has initiated steps to partner with drone manufacturers and service providers across India to build a comprehensive drone ecosystem in the State.

The corporation, established to meet the drone-based operational requirements of various state government departments, aims to deploy advanced aerial solutions to improve governance efficiency and enhance public service delivery.

Officials said the initiative is designed to integrate drone technology into key sectors such as municipal administration, agriculture, policing, forest management, water resources, and disaster response.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department stated that TNUAVC has begun the process of empanelling eligible drone manufacturing firms and service providers with proven expertise.

"The vendor must have an established drone manufacturing facility and should have supplied at least five drones to government agencies," the official said.

"Additionally, the manufacturer must hold certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for research and development."

The corporation is also focusing on onboarding service providers with hands-on operational experience.

According to officials, companies offering drone-based services such as aerial mapping, land surveys, crop monitoring, and precision spraying will be considered.

"Service providers should have demonstrated experience in executing government projects using drone technology," the official added.

As part of the selection process, TNUAVC will conduct a thorough scrutiny of the companies' past performance, including the states where they have delivered services.

An expert committee will evaluate applications before finalising agreements with selected manufacturers and service firms.

The move aligns with Tamil Nadu's broader vision of emerging as a technology and innovation hub, particularly in sunrise sectors such as unmanned systems and advanced robotics.

By creating a structured ecosystem that connects manufacturing, research, and field-level applications, the State government aims to promote indigenous drone innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational safety.

Officials believe that strategic integration of drone technology across departments will not only improve efficiency and transparency but also contribute to better disaster preparedness, agricultural productivity, and urban planning across Tamil Nadu.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Good step forward, but the eligibility criteria seem restrictive. Requiring a company to have already supplied 5 drones to govt agencies might exclude smaller, innovative startups from Tamil Nadu itself. The ecosystem should nurture local talent too.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Drones for policing and forest management are much needed. Can help monitor illegal activities and protect our wildlife. Hope the implementation is swift and transparent. Jai Hind!
A
Ananya R
As a tech student in Chennai, this is exciting news. Tamil Nadu becoming a hub for drone innovation could create so many opportunities for engineers and researchers. Hope our colleges get involved in the R&D part.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this level of planning for tech governance. The focus on DGCA certification and past performance scrutiny is crucial for safety and accountability. Other states should take note.
K
Karthik V
Precision spraying in agriculture can reduce chemical use and cost for farmers. If implemented well, this can boost productivity in the Cauvery delta region. The key will be making these services affordable for small farmers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50