SRM University-AP, Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the 18th of August, 2026, to strengthen drone technology, research, innovation, skill development, and real-world deployment in Andhra Pradesh.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri K Rammohan Naidu and  Bastipati Nagaraju Panchalingala, Member of the Lok Sabha, highlighting the growing importance of drone technology in the state’s emerging technology and innovation ecosystem.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar, SRM University-AP, said, “This MoU represents SRM University-AP’s commitment to building meaningful partnerships that connect academic excellence with national and regional development priorities. This collaboration with AP Drone Corporation will provide our students, faculty and researchers with greater opportunities to contribute to this transformation.”

Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean–Research, SRM University-AP, said, “Our objective is to move beyond conventional research and accelerate the translation of ideas into prototypes, products and deployable technologies. The collaboration with APDC will create a strong platform for interdisciplinary research, component development, testing and technology demonstration, particularly in areas where drone technologies can address real societal challenges.”

Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, applauded the collaboration, saying that this MoU is an important milestone in our vision of creating an ecosystem where education, research, innovation and societal needs converge. Drone technology is evolving rapidly and has the potential to transform sectors ranging from agriculture and infrastructure to disaster management and healthcare.

Through its Centres for Drone and Geospatial Technologies, SRM University-AP has been actively developing capabilities in drone education, training, research, innovation and application development. The University has introduced a Minor Program in Drone Technology and conducts awareness and skill-development programmes for farmers, school students, students and faculty. The Centre is also developing drone-based solutions for applications including agriculture, infrastructure, disaster management, healthcare, medical delivery and advanced aerial mobility.

Together with APDC, the Centre has already executed research projects on crop health detection, bridge monitoring, aging asset inspection and traffic modelling through drone-based data collection. The MoU will further expand collaboration in drone training, awareness, research, component development, testing facilities, product development and field demonstrations. It will also promote DGCA-certified training and responsible drone operations, contributing to a skilled and compliant drone ecosystem.

The Centre coordinators, Dr Pranav R T Peddinti, Coordinator, Centre for Drone Technology, and Dr Harish Puppala, Coordinator, Centre for Geospatial Technology, highlighted the focus on developing practical drone applications and strengthening training, research and field-level innovation.

Sri Geetanjali Sharma, IAS, MD, Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation; Mr Praveen, Additional CEO, APDC; Mr Smith Shah, President, Drone Federation of India; Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar, SRM University-AP; Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean–Research; Dr Pranav R T Peddinti, Coordinator, Centre for Drone Technology; and Dr Harish Puppala, Coordinator, Centre for Geospatial Technology were present during the signing ceremony.

The partnership will connect education, government, research, industry, startups, and society, creating opportunities to develop indigenous drone technologies, skilled human resources, and impactful applications for Andhra Pradesh and the nation.