BHUBANESWAR: In a landmark achievement for India's innovation landscape,

BonV Aero

, a Bhubaneswar-based deep-tech startup, has secured a coveted position in the US defense and aerial mobility market through the prestigious I2A (India to America) Launchpad programme.
The homegrown drone manufacturer, established in 2021, is one of only two Indian startups selected for this elite programme, which is jointly managed by FedTech and Indus Bridge Ventures. This selection opens doors for potential collaborations with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
"We are scheduled to visit the United States in May to finalize key Memoranda of Understanding and identify testing facilities for our

UAV technology

," said Satyabrata Satapathy, CEO of BonV Aero. "This achievement represents not just our company's success but showcases Odisha's and India's innovative capabilities on the global stage."
The company has already demonstrated its technological prowess by setting a world record with its fully

autonomous logistics drones

, capable of carrying 30-kilogram payloads at an altitude of 19,024 feet in the Himalayas, supporting

Indian Army operations

.

These drones are now being prepared for certification under the US Green UAS and Blue UAS programmes, which emphasize cybersecurity and mission readiness. “No Indian UAV company has achieved this certification yet,” Satapathy said.
A distinguishing feature of BonV Aero's technology is its commitment to indigenous manufacturing and strategic autonomy. "Our platforms are completely free of Chinese components, which are crucial for defense applications globally," emphasized Satapathy.
The company's dedication to maintaining supply chain integrity while operating from Bhubaneswar has been a cornerstone of its success. The company also focuses on strengthening

supply chain resilience

.
Founded by six innovators, including Satapathy and co-founder Gaurav Acha, BonV Aero specializes in battery-powered, autonomous drone systems designed for critical supply delivery in challenging environments. The company's solutions address both military and civilian logistics needs.
Baibhav Patel, the company's government affairs and public policy manager, highlighted their broader mission saying that they are tackling universal challenges in mid-mile and last-mile logistics across defense, disaster response, and healthcare sectors.
Looking forward, BonV Aero has ambitious plans to enhance its capabilities, aiming to develop systems that can transport 50 kg at 18,000 feet, eventually scaling up to 500 kg payloads over 300 km distances. This advancement could revolutionize inter-city and long-range logistics through unmanned aerial mobility.
The

I2A Launchpad programme

, designed to accelerate startups aligned with both nations' strategic priorities in defense modernization and infrastructure resilience, recognized BonV Aero's exceptional performance and market readiness.
This breakthrough represents more than just corporate success. It symbolizes Odisha's emerging role in global technology innovation and demonstrates how a startup from Bhubaneswar can lead in addressing complex international logistics and defense challenges.
The company's journey from eastern India to the global aerospace sector exemplifies the potential of Indian innovation and entrepreneurship. “In our startup, we are trying to solve mid-mile and last-mile logistic problems,” said Patel.