Drone Planet Launches AI-Driven Drone-as-a-Service Platform in India

Drone Planet Launches AI-Driven Drone-as-a-Service Platform in India

In a strategic effort to unify India's fragmented drone ecosystem, Drone Planet has unveiled a new Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) aggregator platform. This initiative is designed to create a comprehensive digital marketplace that connects drone manufacturers, service providers, pilots, and enterprise clients, marking a significant shift towards service-based consumption of drone technology.

Goals and Market Potential

Drone Planet aims to onboard over 200 local drone manufacturers and service providers by 2025, aligning with the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative to enhance self-sufficiency in the growing drone sector. The Indian drone market is projected to reach ₹40,000 crores by 2030, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 20.4%.

Platform Features

The DaaS platform serves as a single-window solution that simplifies the procurement and deployment of drone services. Key features include:

• Zero-Cost Access for Manufacturers: Manufacturers can access the marketplace without upfront costs, benefiting from a dropshipping model that allows direct shipping to customers, thus reducing inventory management burdens.
• Streamlined Service Access: Businesses can easily source certified, insured, and compliant drone solutions for various applications such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and media coverage.
• Dynamic Marketplace: Service providers can list their offerings under multiple categories, enabling clients to compare and select services tailored to their needs.

Preet Sandhuu, the promoter of Drone Planet, emphasized the platform's mission to extend the reach of local manufacturers and service providers beyond their immediate networks.

Collaboration and Compliance

The platform is integrated with India's aviation and technology ecosystem, collaborating with 31 Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-certified Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs) to ensure a steady supply of trained pilots. This collaboration addresses regulatory compliance, including adherence to the "No-Permission-No-Takeoff" (NPNT) requirements through the Digital Sky Platform.

Future Expansion

Looking ahead, Drone Planet plans to facilitate financing for local manufacturers by connecting them with financial institutions, addressing a significant barrier to scaling production. The platform also incorporates AI-driven client matching and escrow-based transactions to ensure payment security.

By 2028, Drone Planet aims to expand its operations internationally, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western regions, with India serving as the operational hub. This expansion comes at a time when the global DaaS market is expected to exceed $60 billion by 2029, driven by increasing drone adoption in developing countries for various applications.

The launch of this DaaS platform is expected to serve as a model for how integrated platforms can accelerate the adoption of drone and AI technologies, enhancing operational efficiency across multiple industries both in India and globally.