Hummingbird News Desk
GUWAHATI, 22 FEB: In a collaboration aimed at fostering innovation and advancing drone technology in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) has joined hands with EduRade, a brand owned by RC HobbyTech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., incubated at IIT Guwahati Research Park, to launch India’s largest Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). Spanning across 18 acres, this initiative boasts the capability to simultaneously fly 9 medium-class drones, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s drone ecosystem.
The primary objective of this initiative is to propel the advancement of drone technology in India, aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to establish India as a global drone hub by 2030. This endeavor contributes to the recently launched ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, aimed at promoting drone technology across various sectors.
The launch of IIT Guwahati RPTO signifies the institute’s commitment to revolutionizing drone training, with a focus on equipping individuals with essential expertise. Initially, the RPTO will introduce a DGCA-Certified Medium Class Drone Pilot Training Course, tailored to enhance the skills of youth in North East and other regions of India. It will also cater specifically to women from self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in agriculture, identified under the Namo Drone Didi Yojna. Upon completion of the course, students will be awarded a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) sanctioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India, authorizing them to legally operate drones and pursue careers as Certified Drone Pilots.
Moreover, IIT Guwahati is pioneering a unique three-month drone training program designed for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other defense personnel. This innovative program aims to modernize the operations of the armed forces by providing comprehensive training on various aspects of drone technologies, including pilot training, software operations, and applications. Participants will be prepared for post-retirement career options, enabling them to excel in the dynamic drone industry or pursue endeavors as technology entrepreneurs.
The IITG-RPTO plans to roll out a diverse range of drone-based courses catering to various skill levels and interests, ensuring comprehensive education and upskilling opportunities for individuals across different sectors.
Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Dean PRBR at IIT Guwahati, expressed the institute’s dedication to cultivating innovation and excellence in drone technology services and education. He emphasized the goal of extending drone education, entrepreneurial activity, and manufacturing to every corner of India, thus driving progress and innovation in this dynamic field.
Mr. Biswajit Dey, Director of RC Hobbytech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., highlighted another objective of the collaboration, aiming to assist various industries with drone pilots, including agriculture, disaster management, real estate, logistics, and more.
The collaboration between IIT Guwahati and EduRade represents a concerted effort to catalyze innovation, empower youth and entrepreneurs, and foster socio-economic development through the responsible integration of drone technology. By nurturing a new generation of certified drone pilots and facilitating industry partnerships, this drone pilot training organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the regional and national drone ecosystem.
Tags: #IITGuwahati #EduRade #Drone #NamoDroneDidi
