IIT Kanpur-incubated dronetech startup EndureAir Systems has secured ₹30 crore (approximately $3.1 million) in grant funding under the Centre’s RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) scheme. This funding is pivotal for EndureAir as it develops its SABAL-200 kg heavy-payload drone, aiming to bring the project closer to commercial deployment. As part of the first cohort of five startups to receive funding under the ambitious ₹1 lakh crore RDI scheme, EndureAir is positioned to make significant strides in the drone technology sector.
### EndureAir Systems: Innovating Drone Technology
Founded in 2018 by Professor Abhishek, along with his former students Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain from IIT Kanpur, EndureAir Systems focuses on designing drones tailored for defence, surveillance, disaster management, and logistics. The startup manufactures its drone platforms in-house, emphasizing systems compatible with Indian conditions. With this new funding, EndureAir plans to enhance its R&D capabilities, upgrade technologies, expand manufacturing, and bolster field-testing infrastructure. The SABAL-200 kg drone, a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system, is designed to carry payloads up to 200 kg with an endurance of 2.5 hours and an operational range of 200 km.
### Context and Competitive Landscape
The RDI scheme, launched in July 2025 by the Department of Science & Technology, aims to bolster sectors such as deeptech, robotics, spacetech, and more, under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. EndureAir joins other startups like Dhruva Space, which recently secured ₹105 crore for a satellite platform, as beneficiaries of the scheme. With approximately $7 million raised since its inception, including ₹25 crore from IAN Alpha Fund and IAN Angel Fund in 2025, EndureAir is navigating a competitive landscape where innovation in drone technology is crucial. The SABAL-200 kg builds on existing platforms like SABAL-20 and SABAL-40, which have been deployed in defence and civilian applications across challenging terrains.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
EndureAir’s progress highlights the growing importance of indigenous technology development in India’s startup ecosystem. The company’s focus on import substitution and job creation in Tier II and III cities aligns with national economic goals. As the drone industry expands, startups like EndureAir are crucial in advancing technological capabilities while addressing logistical challenges in remote and hard-to-access regions. The RDI scheme’s support for deeptech ventures underscores a broader trend of increasing government backing for tech startups, signaling a promising outlook for innovation-led growth.
Looking ahead, EndureAir’s next steps will focus on scaling production and achieving commercial deployment of the SABAL-200 kg drone. For founders and investors, monitoring the company’s ability to transition from development to large-scale operations will be key. The success of such initiatives could set a precedent for future funding and development in the Indian dronetech landscape, making it a sector worth watching closely.
