Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies and IISc Bengaluru Establish Drone Centre of Excellence to Advance Indigenous UAV Technologies
New Delhi, December 16, 2025. Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, a leading innovator in indigenous navigation and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) solutions, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to establish a Drone Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This collaboration aims to position India at the forefront of next-generation drone technologies, nurturing cutting-edge innovations in aerial systems, autonomous platforms, and cyber-physical integration.
The newly established Drone CoE will act as a premier hub for advanced research, design, and testing of UAV systems. By combining Zuppa’s robust cyber-physical technology stack with IISc’s globally recognized expertise in aerodynamics, robotics, controls, and systems engineering, the CoE will accelerate the exploration and development of indigenous drone technologies tailored for diverse applications spanning defense, agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and smart cities.
Speaking about this strategic initiative, Sai Pattabiram, Founder & Managing Director of Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said, “At Zuppa, our mission has always been to spearhead indigenous innovation in UAV and navigation systems. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence at IISc represents a milestone in our journey, as it brings together academic excellence with industry-driven technological leadership. Together, we envision creating world-class solutions that will not only transform drone innovation in India but also set global benchmarks.”
A senior representative from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IISc Bengaluru, added, “By establishing this CoE in collaboration with Zuppa, we aim to advance cutting-edge UAV research that integrates deep scientific insights with practical industry applications. This partnership will create a strong foundation for fostering innovations in drone design, autonomy, and performance.”
With the Drone CoE, Zuppa and IISc are charting a roadmap to strengthen India’s self-reliance in UAV technologies, while fostering a new generation of researchers and engineers equipped to propel India’s drone ecosystem to the next level.
