By winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon 2024, which was hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, IG Drones, which has been utilizing 5G technology through its creative drone solutions, has reached yet another significant milestone.
A prestigious government effort, the hackathon’s goal is to find and promote creative uses of 5G technologies that are specific to India. The most innovative businesses and the best minds in the nation participated in it. The “AgriDrone” solution from IG Drones, which uses 5G connectivity to solve important issues in the agriculture industry, has raised the bar for applying 5G technology in this field.
At the hackathon, which was held in December 2024, IG Drones, the country’s first manufacturer of 5G drones, demonstrated its AgriDrone solution. Using 5G technology, the cutting-edge drone offers unmatched capabilities, such as dependable and quick data transfer, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from almost any location.
The secret to IG Drones’ success is its dedication to using 5G technology for ground-breaking innovations. The way drones interact with cloud-based systems is being redefined by 5G’s unmatched speed, ultra-low latency, and high connectivity, which allow for smooth data transmission, real-time decision-making, and remote operational control.
These capabilities, which allow for accurate monitoring, quick data analysis, and actionable insights from almost anywhere, have enormous potential for sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and disaster management.
Faster decision-making is made possible by the AgriDrone’s improved communication capabilities, which use 5G’s high-speed connectivity to enable dependable and quick data transfer between the drone and cloud-based systems.
5G technology integration makes it possible to monitor agricultural areas in real time, providing accurate insights and enabling prompt actions. Furthermore, farmers and operators may now remotely control the drone’s operations, guaranteeing effective and convenient operations from any location. This creative method transforms India’s agricultural environment by addressing important challenges including yield optimization, insect management, and crop health monitoring.
The 5G & Beyond Hackathon supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat program, which aims to promote technological innovation and independence. The success of IG Drones not only demonstrates the revolutionary potential of 5G, but it also establishes the business as a pioneer in propelling technological development in India.
India Drone Market Overview
At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0%, the India drone market is expected to increase from USD 654 million in 2024 to USD 1,437 million by 2029. Through advancements in crop monitoring, precision farming, and resource management, drones are revolutionizing the Indian agricultural industry.
They lessen farmers’ exposure to dangerous chemicals while facilitating early problem diagnosis, effective pesticide and fertilizer application, accurate water use, and livestock monitoring.
Drones also reduce input costs and their negative effects on the environment. The adoption of agriculture is further encouraged by government programs such as training programs, rental schemes, and subsidies, which also equip farmers with cutting-edge technology to increase sustainability and production.
Interestingly, IG Drones has also set up Centers of Excellence (COEs) in many academic institutions, including IIMs to provide drone related training and upskilling across sectors.
Key Comments
Ashish Jena, Co-Founder & Chief of Products at IG Drones, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement: “Winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon is a testament to IG Drones’ relentless pursuit of innovation. By integrating 5G technology into our AgriDrone solution, we are not only advancing agriculture but also setting new benchmarks for the drone industry. This accomplishment underscores our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scalable, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.”
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO of IG Drones, emphasized the broader implications of this success, adding, “As India’s first 5G drone maker, we are proud to pioneer technological advancements that drive progress in critical sectors like agriculture. This achievement highlights the potential of 5G to transform industries, and we are committed to leading this transformation. We extend our gratitude to the DoT for this platform and to our partners and team for their unwavering support and dedication.”
