Operation Dronagiri is a pilot project under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on November 13, 2024. It aims to demonstrate the applications of geospatial technologies in sectors like agriculture, skilling & livelihoods, transport & infrastructure. The project will be implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar will oversee its operations. Additionally, the Start-up Challenge was launched on November 20, 2024, with applications closing on December 23, 2024. The Operation is led by Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee - GDPDC (Shri Srikant Sastri) and Geospatial Innovation Cell/DST (Dr Konga Gopikrishna) with IIT Tirupati Technology Innovation Hub being the Nodal GIA and is also overseeing the operations in Andhra Pradesh.
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Launch Date: November 13, 2024
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Start-Up Challenge Launch: November 20, 2024
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Application Deadline: December 23, 2024
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Level 1 - Screening: Ongoing by GIAs
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Level 2 - Screening: February 7, 2025 by Apex Committee
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Due Diligence and Equity Negotiation: February 14, 2025
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Admin Approval (Fund Disbursement): March 27, 2025
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Project Commencement: April 3, 2025 (24-week duration)
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Demo Day & Showcase (Remaining Funds Disbursement): July 30, 2025
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Implementation Period: November 2024 to July 2025
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Successful Launch of Operation Dronagiri! A Giant Leap for Indias Geospatial Future!
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The launch event took place at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi on November 13, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Shri Hitesh Kumar Makwana, IAS, Surveyor General of India, delivered a visionary address on NGP 2022.
- Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, in his keynote, shared how geospatial tech would drive India toward a data-driven and resilient future.
- Prof. Satyanarayana Kalidindi, Director, IIT Tirupati, emphasized the pivotal role of Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Tirupati in advancing Indias geospatial ecosystem.
- Mr. Srikant Sastri, Chairman, GDPDC, gave a special address on Operation Dronagiris transformative impact on geospatial infrastructure.
- Mrs. Kalpana Krishnaswami, FSID, IISc, presented an overview of the Geospatial Data Sharing Interface.
- Dr. Abijith Devanantham, IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation, concluded with the roadmap and vision for Operation Dronagiri.
Launch Highlights:
- Logo and brochures were unveiled, symbolizing a new era of geospatial innovation.
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- Official website launched:
< dronagiribharat.com
- Podcast session with experts discussed the revolution in geospatial technology.
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Partnerships:
Anchor partners include ITC Limited, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, SBI General Insurance, DeHaat, Delhivery, TMI Group, LCB Fertilizers Private Limited, Aquaconnect, ideaForge, SatSure, Cropin, and Hands on.
The tech partner is the Centre for Data for Public Good (CDPG), FSID, IISc Bangalore. Over 250 geospatial datasets have been made available via an easy-to-use Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI).
Seven clear problem statements have been identified for Agriculture, Skilling and & Livelihoods, Transport & Infrastructure sectors. Corporates and startups will use these datasets to solve specific problems in five districts across India, with a focus on results and outcomes. The "Startup Grand Challenge" has also been announced, offering funding options.
Geospatial Innovation Accelerators(GIA) include
- IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF)
- Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (IIT Kanpur)
- IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
- Society for Innovation Entrepreneurship (SINE) IIT Bombay
- iHub - AWaDH IIT Ropar
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Operation Dronagiri Podcast
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The Operation Dronagiri podcast series has been enriched by the insights and expertise of several distinguished leaders and innovators across the geospatial and innovation landscape. These esteemed contributors have shared their perspectives on the transformative potential of geospatial technology and its application in various sectors.
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Featured Speakers:
" Prof K. N. Satyanarayana, Director, IIT Tirupati
" Shri Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India
" Mr Prasad Shetty, Vice President, SINE, IIT Bombay
" Mr. Rajat, Hands-On
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" Mr Gaurav Kapoor, Chief Business Officer, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park
" Dr Kalpana Krishnaswami, Program and Business Head, Center of Data for Public Good, IISc
" Dr Radhika Trikha, CEO, AWaDH IIT Ropar
" Mr Satish Singh, Head of Partnerships, SanchiConnect
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Prof. K.N. Satyanarayana, Director of IIT Tirupati, emphasized the transformative impact of Operation Dronagiri, highlighting its role in democratizing geospatial data for startups and fostering innovation in key sectors. He discussed the critical importance of collaboration between government and private sectors, along with the initiative's potential to drive socio-economic development. He also mentioned the creation of testbeds to support startups in developing and validating their geospatial solutions
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Podcast session with Prof. K.N. Satyanarayana
Director of IIT Tirupati
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Podcast session with Mr. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India
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Dr Kalpana Krishnaswami, Program Head of the GDI Platform, shared her excitement about the launch, emphasizing the platform's role in democratizing geospatial data. She highlighted how GDI enables access to open datasets for government and private stakeholders, allowing data sharing, monetization, and seamless collaboration. She also acknowledged the need for standardized formats and ongoing training to maximize the platform's potential.
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Mr. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, highlighted the transformative potential of Operation Dronagiri in addressing key sectors like agriculture, skilling & livelihoods, transport & infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of data accessibility under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 and its impact on empowering startups and fostering innovation. He also suggested expanding geospatial adoption into healthcare to further enhance decision-making and public services.
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Podcast session with Dr Kalpana Krishnaswami, Program Head of the GDI Platform
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Operation Dronagiri Promo Video
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The promo video showcases the transformative journey of Operation Dronagiri, highlighting its focus on leveraging geospatial technology across five districts. With the active collaboration of corporate partners and the support of Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs), the initiative is driving innovation in Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Skilling and Livelihoods.
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Official Website Launched: < dronagiribharat.com
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The official website for Operation Dronagiri, dronagiribharat.com, has been launched to enhance the National Geospatial Policy 2022 initiatives. This platform offers a central hub for stakeholders, providing vital data, updates, and resources. It features comprehensive sections on project objectives, milestones, and sector-specific applications of geospatial technology. The site includes
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guidelines and support mechanisms for start-ups, as well as a Geospatial Data Sharing Interface to promote innovation. Additionally, podcasts and expert sessions are hosted to offer insights into the transformative potential of geospatial technology.
Do visit the website for continuous updates and in-depth information.
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Geospatial Data-Sharing Interface (GDI)
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The Geospatial Data Infrastructure (GDI) is a dynamic repository offering datasets across sectors like Agriculture, Transport & Infrastructure, and Skilling & Livelihood. It was developed by the Center for Data for Public Good (CDPG) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and led by Mrs. Kalpana Krishnaswami. GDI empowers users with access to rich, multidimensional data for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Geospatial data exchange enables seamless flow of diverse datasets, such as geo-tagged locations,
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satellite imagery, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and more. This exchange allows for improved resource management, planning, and response. One key driver is the need to break data silos, make data discoverable, and create interoperable datasets, avoiding the challenge of georeferencing and conversion across coordinate systems. The platform also makes usage terms and licensing easily discoverable and provides essential interfaces for identity verification.
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Process for Screening of the Start-ups
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The Level 1 Screening process for Operation Dronagiri has successfully concluded, with all 838 applications reviewed across three key sectors: Agriculture, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Livelihoods & Skilling across the five GIAs. Applications were evaluated with options of "Yes," "No," and "Maybe." The shortlisted applications marked as "Yes" and in rank order, will progress to Level 2, where the Apex Committee will conduct the final evaluation.
The Apex Committee comprises a Chairman, Knowledge Partners (GISE and NGC IIT Kanpur), three Industrial Experts, and representatives from GDPDC, GIC, and the Nodal GIA, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse review process for selecting the most promising startups. (Names of the dignitaries has not been included in aid of confidentiality)
Feedback from the Level 1 highlights the exceptional quality of applications received, with many startups demonstrating a strong commitment to geospatial innovation. Evaluators noted that the applications, organized by domain, made the process efficient and streamlined. The experience was particularly exciting, as the startups showcased a remarkable interest in advancing geospatial technologies.
The screening process by GIAs has been completed, and the Apex committee is now in the process of finalizing five early-stage startups and three growth-stage startups from each GIA, totaling forty startups across all sectors.
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Stake-holders Meet : STOP#1: VARANASI !:
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Operation Dronagiri showcased its commitment to making a real impact on the ground. On January 11, 2025, stakeholders gathered in Varanasi to discuss how to support farmers with better advice, more farm loans, and faster
insurance claim settlements using the Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI). They also explored expanding e-commerce coverage, creating more delivery jobs, improving traffic management in the old city through digital twins, and adding local geospatial data to GDI.
With over 50 participants, the collaboration included the Varanasi District Administration, India DST Survey of India, corporates, and startups.
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Special thanks were given to Shri S. Rajalingam, IAS (DM Varanasi), Himanshu Nagpal, and other officers. Corporate and startup partners like ITC Limited, HDFC Bank, SBI General Insurance, Delhivery, Bentley Systems, Ceinsys Tech Limited, ideaForge, Cropin, and SatSure played key roles.
The day concluded with a strong sense of confidence in achieving the desired outcomes. Good luck to everyone involved!
The next meeting is scheduled in Washim, Maharashtra, around the third week of January 2025, followed by a similar meeting in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, in the third week of February 2025.
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Corporate Partners Varanasi :
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Stake-holders Meet : STOP#2: WASHIM !:
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In January 2025, stakeholders in Washim gathered to discuss the integration of geospatial technologies in agriculture, transport, and infrastructure, focusing on improving local data-sharing and fostering public-private collaborations. Shri Amrendra Kumar Singh, Director of the Maharashtra & Goa Geospatial Directorate, welcomed participants, followed by an address from Smt. Buveneswari S., IAS, Collector of Washim. Shri Srikant Sastri, Chairman of GDPDC, presented the Operation Dronagiri initiative, and Dr. Linda Theres showcased the Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI).
Discussions covered aligning agriculture sector efforts with corporate partners like LCB Fertilizers, HDFC Bank, and TAFE to improve farming practices, lending, and insurance. Delhivery highlighted strategies to enhance transport coverage and location accuracy.
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Data gaps and expanding GDI's catalog were also discussed, with input from GISE Hub/SINE and IIT Bombay. The meeting concluded with key action items, responsibilities, and timelines, reinforcing a commitment to collaboration and local empowerment.
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Corporate Partners Washim:
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Stake-holders Meet : STOP#3: VIZIANAGARAM !:
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On 24 February 2025, stakeholders will gather in Vizianagaram to explore how geospatial technologies can drive innovation across agriculture, transport, and infrastructure sectors in the region. The meeting will facilitate discussions on improving governance, farm productivity, transportation, infrastructure, skilling, livelihood etc. with the help of advanced geospatial tools and data.
Key discussions will involve agricultural and transport sector partners. Agriculture-related discussions will cover soil mapping and tailored crop recommendations, led by HCF Tech Services and Bhoomi Seva, as well as precision agriculture solutions presented by Hexagon. In the transport sector, partners like Trinetra Wireless, Magnasoft, Trimble, and Infosys will
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present solutions on last-mile delivery, road routing, government land parcel mapping, and logistics challenges using geospatial data.
The infrastructure segment will focus on the use of digital twins for building resilient infrastructure, digitization of revenue records, and the utility of these technologies for better governance, led by Magnasoft and Infosys.
A dedicated session will identify skilling gaps for reskilling in the region, followed by a discussion on the availability of datasets and expansion of GDIs catalog, facilitated by GD AP and APSAC.
A roundtable discussion will provide an opportunity for corporate partners, the GDPDC, GIC, and state government officials to share insights and align their strategies.
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Corporate Partners Vizianagaram:
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Infrastructure & Skilling
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Exciting Announcement: Launch of AirView+ and GDPDC Ideathon and Hackathon!
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Get ready for the second week of February 2025, when we launch the AirView+ and GDPDC Ideathon and Hackathon! This event aims to address air pollution in Vizianagaram, Gurugram, and Varanasi by empowering participants to create innovative solutions.
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Key Details:
- Google's Role:
- Provide the AirView+ API
- Offer mentorship support
- Connect startups with partners
- Host the Hackathon at Google offices
-IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation's Role :
- Program execution in collaboration with Google
- Technical oversight
- Participants coordination
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- GDPDC and GIC
strategic inputs and monitor progress
- Event Timeline:
- Announcement: Second week of February 2025
- Closing Deadline: August 31, 2025
- Opportunities:
- Ideathon for brainstorming ideas
- Hackathon for implementing solutions
- Prizes for top solutions
- Mentorship from industry leaders
- Local partnerships for impactful results
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A Steering Committee will oversee the event to ensure effective management and success. Let's innovate and make a difference together!
Stay tuned for more details and updates.
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Exciting Announcement: Satellite in Your Hand Workshop by EarthSight Foundation!
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We are thrilled to announce a one-day workshop titled Satellite in Your Hand - Geospatial Support for Sustainable Village Development, scheduled to take place in Assam. Organized by the EarthSight Foundation, this workshop aims to empower village, tahsil, and district-level stakeholders, including elected leaders, Panchayat officials, and NGOs, with vital geospatial information for their regions.
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Know Your Place: Understand topography, agriculture, water resources, natural vegetation, soil, and disaster and climate risks using time-series data.
Plan Data-Based Development Interventions: Prioritize development plans using up-to-date, scientific knowledge.
Assess Impact: Use indicators and Earth observation data to evaluate the effectiveness of development plans.
The workshop schedule includes a Foundation Lecture on space and geospatial technologies, followed by hands-on sessions and demonstrations on GIS tools and satellite images, and an interaction
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with scientists from the Assam State Remote Sensing Centre and North East Space Applications Centre. This event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for grassroots leaders to leverage geospatial data for sustainable development. Stay tuned for more details and registration information.
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Start-Up Challenge Applications Status : Operation Drongiri
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 1 - State / Applications Wise
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A total of 838 applications were received for the Start-Up Challenge under Operation Dronagiri, with the highest number from the GIA SINE (195). The sectors include Agriculture, Skilling and Livelihood, and Transportation and Infrastructure.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 2 - GIA / Sector Wise Applications
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Start-ups from 23 states participated, with Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra having the highest participation, at 135 and 122 applications respectively, across Agriculture, Skilling and Livelihood, and Transportation and Infrastructure sectors.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Table 1 State / Sector Wise Applications
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Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Telangana had the highest participation, with 135, 122, and 105 applications respectively.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 3 GIA / Start-up Product stage Wise Applications
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Operation Dronagiri, Phase 1, saw a total of 838 applications across different product stages: Early Revenues, Growth stage, Idea, and MVP or POC. The majority of the applications were in the MVP or POC stage (300), followed by Early Revenues (266).
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Table 2 State / GIA Wise Applications
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The majority of these were pre-revenue start-ups, accounting for 682 applications, while post-revenue start-ups contributed 156 applications. This distribution highlights the involvement of numerous early-stage start-ups in the initiative.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 4 Revenue Stage / GIA Wise Applications
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The total revenue across all stages amounts to 838 units, with a significant difference between post-revenue and pre-revenue contributions. Post-revenue stands at 156 units, while pre-revenue contributions are substantially higher at 682 units. Among the individual entities, SINE has the highest overall contribution with 195 units. This distribution highlights a notable disparity between post-revenue and pre-revenue stages, with pre-revenue being the dominant contributor to the total revenue.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Table 3 GIA / Funding Stage Wise Applications
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The majority of the start-ups were bootstrapped (557), followed by those funded by Friends & Family (99) and Seed/Angel Funded (149).
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Table 4 GIA / Year of Incorporation
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A significant number of these applications were from start-ups established in recent years, with the highest numbers from 2023 (103) and 2024 (514).
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Table 5 Sector / Year of Incorporation Sart-Up Statistics:
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 :Fig 6 Start-Ups Accepted/Rejected
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The total number of rejections is significantly higher than submissions, with 315 rejections and 133 submissions. Notably, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of rejections (28) and Maharashtra has the highest submissions (21). This data highlights the disparity in acceptance rates across different states, with some states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana having relatively balanced numbers.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 7 Year of Incorporation / Submitted Start-Ups
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The number of submitted startups has seen a remarkable increase over the years, growing from 1 submission each in 1996, 2015, and 2016 to 65 submissions in 2024. Significant growth periods are observed, particularly from 2021 onwards. Overall, the total number of submitted startups over this span is 133, showcasing a clear upward trend.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig - 8 Revenue stage/ Submitted Start-Ups
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The total revenue is 133 units, with pre-revenue being the dominant contributor at 109 units. Post-revenue contributions are significantly lower, amounting to just 24 units.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 9 - Product Stage / Submitted Start-Ups
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Out of a total of 133 submitted startups, the MVP or POC stage dominates with 62 startups. Early Revenues follow with 36 startups, while the Growth stage and Idea stage have 17 and 18 startups, respectively. This distribution highlights the significant focus on startups in their initial development and validation phases.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 10 - Funding Stage / Submitted Start-Ups
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Out of the 133 submitted startups, the majority (88) are bootstrapped, highlighting a strong trend towards self-funding. Seed/Angel Funded startups account for 23, while Friends & Family funded startups contribute 14. Very few startups have reached the Pre Series or Series A stages, with only 1 in each category.
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Operation Dronagiri - Phase 1 : Fig 11 - Start-Up Stage / Submitted Start-Ups
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Among the 133 submitted startups, a significant majority are in the Early Stage, totaling 114. The remaining 19 startups are in the Growth Stage. This distribution underscores that most startups are in their initial phase of development, with relatively few having progressed to the growth phase.
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