Garuda Aerospace, and Kaushalya - The Skill University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost drone technology education in India.    

Garuda Aerospace, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledges to supply Kaushalya - The Skill University with 10 small category agricultural drones valued at approximately Rs 1 crore. These drones will be used for specialised training programs in agriculture to enhance skill development in the sector. Additionally, Garuda Aerospace will provide mentorship support for drone technology to students and start-ups affiliated with the university, the company added in the statement. 

Garuda Aerospace will provide the services of technical experts in the field of drones through online and offline channels. The company will also engage in collaborative research, indigenization, and product development with university faculties. In a bid to bridge the gap between training and employment, Garuda Aerospace will extend placement support to trainees undergoing drone training through the "Bharat Drone Association."   

"This ambitious goal necessitates the training of 1 lakh pilots, and Gujarat is well-poised to make a significant contribution—10 per cent to the total Drone Pilot community. This development marks a pivotal step in propelling Gujarat to the forefront of the burgeoning drone technology landscape, and we are proud to play a role in this transformative journey," said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace.  

Chennai-based drone manufacturing start-up Garuda Aerospace is planning to raise a pre-IPO round by January and list its shares in the public market in June or July next year, as per the reports.  

The company backed by cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni will benefit from the government's allocation of Rs 1,261 crore to deploy 15,000 farmer drones across the country. Garuda has secured approval from multiple state governments, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala, for subsidies on its agricultural drones.