SwaYaan Initiative

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Drone Federation of India launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Research (NIDAR) under the SwaYaan initiative.

About NIDAR:

• What it is:

• National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR).

• Part of:

• Launched under the SwaYaan – Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) initiative.

• Ministry:

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with Drone Federation of India (DFI).

• Encourage research, innovation, and real-world drone applications in disaster management and precision agriculture. Engage over 100 student teams for developing autonomous drone solutions. Foster startup incubation, cloud credits, software support, and internships.

• Encourage research, innovation, and real-world drone applications in disaster management and precision agriculture.

• Engage over 100 student teams for developing autonomous drone solutions.

• Foster startup incubation, cloud credits, software support, and internships.

About SwaYaan Initiative:

• What it is:

• A comprehensive capacity-building program for drone and allied technologies in India.

• Launched in: Approved by MeitY in July 2022.

• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

• Train 42,560 participants to create a skilled drone technology workforce.

• Features:

• Implemented via a hub-and-spoke model with participation from 30 top institutions including IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT. Focus areas include Drone Electronics, GNC Algorithms Simulation, Aeromechanics, Drone Applications, and Allied UAS Technologies. Initiation of minor degree programs, bootcamps, and workshops. Active industry participation through challenges and innovation platforms.

• Implemented via a hub-and-spoke model with participation from 30 top institutions including IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, CDAC, and NIELIT.

• Focus areas include Drone Electronics, GNC Algorithms Simulation, Aeromechanics, Drone Applications, and Allied UAS Technologies.

• Initiation of minor degree programs, bootcamps, and workshops.

• Active industry participation through challenges and innovation platforms.