Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: IG Drones has rapidly emerged as a leading enterprise in drone technology, offering cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, including GIS Survey, Topographic Survey, Drone Inspection, Powerline Monitoring, Smart City Survey, and Mines Survey. Their services span critical industries such as Infrastructure, Power, Railway, Port, Road, Mines, Water Resources, Oil & Gas, and Renewable Energy, making them a key player in India’s technological landscape.
With a remarkable track record of over 500 executed projects, IG Drones has established strong partnerships with state governments and more than 30 major PSUs and MNCs. Their extensive national footprint is underscored by branch offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore, and Bhubaneswar, reflecting their commitment to a pan-India presence.
The visionary behind this pioneering enterprise is Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, whose journey began in the unassuming town of Burla, Odisha. Originally aspiring to serve his nation through the National Defence Academy (NDA), Bodhisattwa’s trajectory shifted when he joined Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla. It was here that his passion for innovation took root and flourished, setting the stage for what would become IG Drones.
Bodhisattwa’s journey is a testament to the power of ambition and creativity. While at VSSUT, he was inspired by ISRO’s satellite launches, which ignited a desire to explore space technology. Along with his peers, he embarked on an ambitious project to build a rocket. Despite the formidable challenge of securing funding, the team’s relentless experimentation paid off when their homemade rocket successfully soared to 16,000 feet, earning a place in the LIMCA Book of Records. This remarkable achievement caught the attention of Odisha’s Chief Minister and ISRO, leading to the establishment of the first space innovation centre at VSSUT.
Bodhisattwa’s thirst for knowledge and innovation didn’t stop there. His dedication took him to Russia, sponsored by the Chief Minister of Odisha, where he continued to refine his skills and broaden his understanding of space technology. This experience deepened his commitment to innovation and laid the groundwork for the creation of IG Drones.
The birth of IG Drones can be traced back to the development of the VSSUT Satellite Launch Vehicle (VSLV), which was used to inspect the Hirakud Dam. This marked a significant milestone, as the company secured its first commercial contract with HINDALCO, measuring coal stockpiles. This breakthrough propelled IG Drones into the corporate arena, where they have since served some of India’s largest industrial giants, including L&T, Adani, JSW, JSPL, and ArcelorMittal.
The company has collaborated with the Odisha Skills Development Authority to transform unskilled laborers into proficient drone operators. This initiative has earned national acclaim and recognition from the National Skills Development Council.
Among IG Drones’ flagship products is the Jaga Drone, designed to serve a variety of industries with its high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and advanced GPS technology. This state-of-the-art drone exemplifies the company’s dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity across multiple sectors. Another groundbreaking innovation from IG Drones is the Skyhawk, India’s first 5G-enabled drone, which won the UAV Tech Excellence Award at the Elets Digital Natives Summit. The Skyhawk’s advanced 5G capabilities promise to revolutionize the field of drone technology, offering unprecedented connectivity and operational efficiency.
As IG Drones continues to innovate, the company is poised to lead the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into drone technology, particularly in defence and surveillance. AI-powered drones, which can autonomously scan areas, detect anomalies, and execute complex missions, are set to transform military operations by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and safety. This technological evolution positions IG Drones as a crucial player in strengthening India’s national security and advancing its position as a global leader in AI-driven defence solutions.
Under the leadership of Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, IG Drones has grown from a university project into a national leader in drone technology. The company’s vision is to make India the Global Drone Hub by 2030. IG Drones is not just a business; it’s an inspiration for future generations, proving that with determination and creativity, the sky is only the beginning.
