Bengaluru students innovate with drones and rovers as startup develops custom batteries

The student projects at Newton School of Technology illustrate an educational approach focused on hands-on development. The drone project, for instance, integrates a flight controller with a companion computer for image processing to determine position and distance. This emphasis on building is intended to cultivate practical skills early, rather than deferring them until after graduation, according to the school's director of business.

Dreamfly Innovations addresses a specific supply chain gap by developing indigenous battery solutions for drones and electric aviation. The company's co-founder noted that India has largely relied on external suppliers for these batteries, often forcing vehicle designs to adapt to available battery specifications. By customizing battery packs with integrated Battery Management Systems (BMS), Dreamfly Innovations seeks to provide tailored solutions that meet specific weight, power consumption, and flight duration requirements for various drone applications.

The parallel efforts of student innovation and startup development in Bengaluru suggest a push towards localized technological capabilities. While the student projects focus on skill development and experimental application, Dreamfly Innovations aims to establish a domestic supply of critical components. This combined activity reflects an evolving technology landscape in India, moving towards in-house creation across different stages of technological maturity.