Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: When you dream big, you achieve great things. This vision has been realized by Bon V, a startup that has turned ambitious dreams into reality. With aspirations of surpassing conventional aviation and soaring through the skies of the Himalayas, Bon V is reshaping the future of aerial transport. Their innovative technology is not just about advanced drones; it is about providing essential support to those safeguarding our borders under extreme conditions. Bon V, founded in 2019, stands at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge drone technology into daily life, striving to make aerial transport both practical and accessible.
A Team of Innovators
Bon V’s journey reflects the collective effort of its six co-founders, each bringing a unique expertise to the table. Abinash Sahoo, the Chief Technical Officer, spearheads technology development. Satyabrata Satapathy, the CEO, manages business expansion, while Gaurav Achha, Co-CEO, handles international collaborations. Sultan Alam Khan, an experienced manufacturing expert and former teacher of Abinash, leads the manufacturing team. Rahul Kumar oversees design, and Umang Rathi, formerly of ISRO, takes charge of operations. This dynamic team exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving Bon V’s innovations.
Meet the Bon V team: From left to right – Abinash Sahoo, Satyabrata Satapathy, Umang Rathi, Sultan Alam Khan, Gaurav Achha, and Rahul Kumar.
Bon V is revolutionizing aerial mobility with its bold vision to make drones an integral part of everyday life. The company’s goal is to make aerial transport, for both people and goods, accessible and practical for a wide range of applications—from addressing logistical challenges in remote and extreme environments to paving the way for urban aerial mobility. Bon V’s cutting-edge technology promises to redefine our approach to aerial vehicles, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and indigenous development.
In an exclusive interview with Abinash Sahoo, Chief Technical Officer of Bon V, we explore the depth and dynamics of this innovative, homegrown technology.
Q: Abinash, what inspired you to start Bon V, and how do you envision it changing transportation?
Our goal at Bon V is to bring aerial mobility from the domain of airports and aerodromes to everyday streets. We see a future where aerial transport is accessible not just through helicopters and planes but through drones for both people and goods. Our focus is on reducing costs and complexity, making this technology practical for medical emergencies, disaster response, and general transportation.
Q: Can you describe the early development of Bon V and the challenges you faced?
We started in 2018 with a vision of creating a flying car-like vehicle, but regulatory hurdles and high risks pushed us to pivot towards logistics and stability. Early feedback from the Indian Army was crucial, providing real-world testing opportunities. My background in drone technology and system engineering helped us navigate the challenges of high-altitude environments and practical logistics.
Q: What were some key milestones in your technology’s development?
A major milestone was demonstrating our drone’s capability to lift 50 kg at an altitude of 10,000 feet, an achievement unmatched in India. Despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, by 2021 we had officially incorporated Bon V and successfully tested our drones in harsh environments. Additionally, we achieved a significant milestone by winning the global “Meet the Drapers” show, a prestigious competition where we competed against the best from around the world and emerged victorious in its sixth season. This was a proud moment for us as Indians, marking a huge accomplishment on a global stage.
Q: How did you choose the name “Bon V”?
“Bon V” is inspired by the French phrase “Bon Voyage,” meaning “happy journey.” It symbolizes our aspiration to make every journey—whether for transport or emergency services—a safe and smooth experience.
Q: Can you tell us about your R&D facilities and development process?
Our R&D facility began in a small garage at Bhubaneswar Engineering College. Thanks to support from Startup India and the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), we now have a dedicated team of over 40 engineers working on advanced drone technologies. We have also been provided with a space at C.V. Raman Global University, Known as AIC C.V. Raman College of Engineering Foundation, where we have established a facility with at least 6,000 square feet of land dedicated to all our research and development activities.
Q: What can you tell us about your clients and market demand for your drones?
Our major clients include the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Air Force. We have delivered 13 drones this year and expect a demand for around 500 units in the next two years. By 2030, we anticipate needing approximately 10,000 drones. Our products are designed to operate effectively in extreme conditions.
Q: What distinguishes Bon V’s products in the market?
Our drones are 95% indigenous, which helps us keep costs down and avoid issues related to imported parts. This local approach not only supports the Indian economy but also ensures the reliability and cost-effectiveness of our products.
Q: What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Designing drones for high-altitude operation has been a major challenge. We developed self-flying technology to ensure drones can operate autonomously even when communication is lost. Attracting skilled talent to Odisha was another hurdle, but we created an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration to address this issue.
Q: How has support from government and other organizations helped Bon V?
Government support, including from Startup India and Startup Odisha, has been instrumental. The Ministry of Defence, particularly Defence Minister Rajnath Singh himself, facilitated our participation in international events like In Vivatech Paris-2022, which took place in Paris, and this has been crucial for overcoming logistical and financial hurdles.
Q: What message do you have for the youth and aspiring entrepreneurs?
To the youth, I say: while elders can offer advice and youngsters can learn, it is the youth who must execute their ideas. Believe in your potential and take action. Innovation and entrepreneurship are keys to progress. Focus on building something meaningful and don’t be afraid to take risks. Your efforts will drive personal growth and contribute to broader national development.
Q: What are Bon V’s future goals and aspirations?
Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities in the defence sector. Currently, defence manufacturing and research in Odisha are not very active. Over the next five years, we aim for Bon V to play a key role in defence manufacturing in Odisha. We want Bon V to be synonymous with defence manufacturing from Odisha. We request the Government of Odisha to provide more support and facilities, similar to the defence corridor established in UP along the Yamuna Expressway. Such policies would attract young entrepreneurs to Odisha, foster industry-institution collaboration, and enhance the Indian market’s global competitiveness. Our goal is to see our products become prevalent worldwide while remaining cost-efficient.
Abinash Sahoo’s journey with Bon V exemplifies the spirit of innovation and determination. By addressing real-world challenges and focusing on practical applications, Bon V is not only advancing drone technology but also paving the way for a future where aerial mobility is efficient and accessible for everyone.
