Marut Drones

Overview

Marut Drones, founded in 2019 by Prem Kumar Vislawath, Suraj Peddi, and Sai Kumar Chinthala, is a leading drone technology company based in Hyderabad, India. The company focuses on providing innovative drone solutions across various sectors, particularly in agriculture and surveillance. As of 2024, Marut Drones has successfully raised $6.2 million in Series A funding from Lok Capital to further expand its technological and geographic reach. The company strives to modernize various traditional industries through the adoption of drone technologies.

Recent Developments

  • November 2024: Marut Drones raised $6.2 million in Series A funding from Lok Capital to expand manufacturing capacity, aiming to produce 3,000 drones annually. The investment is intended to enhance product development and support rural outreach through drone service hubs, creating employment opportunities in Tier II and III cities (Business Standard).
  • October 2024: At the Amravati Drone Hackathon, Marut Drones won top honors for its aerial surveillance platform, demonstrating public safety applications such as real-time object recognition using high-resolution cameras and infrared sensors (CXO Today).
  • July 2024: The company expanded into Tamil Nadu, intending to create 500 drone entrepreneurs by year-end. This initiative supports utilizing drones for agricultural purposes, such as fertilizer spraying, potentially increasing farmers' income (The Hindu Business Line).
  • February 2024: Marut Drones delivered DGCA-certified agricultural drones, AG365, to leading agricultural universities in India. This marks a significant step in technology adoption across the agricultural sector to enhance productivity and policymaking support (DroneLife).

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2019
HeadquartersHyderabad, India
FoundersPrem Kumar Vislawath, Suraj Peddi, Sai Kumar Chinthala
RevenueTargeting Rs. 1000 crore by 2029
Key InvestorsLok Capital
IndustryDrone Technology
Number of Employees200 as of 2024

Early History

Initially conceptualized in 2017, Marut Drones officially launched in 2019. The company was founded by Prem Kumar Vislawath, who was inspired to address environmental challenges through drone technology. The primary mission was to tackle the mosquito menace through innovative solutions like the "Marut Zap," India’s first mosquito eradication drone, which laid the foundation for the company’s technology-driven approach. The founders, all alumni from IIT Guwahati, began exploring application areas for drones in agriculture and conservation. With their commitment to innovation, they broadened the application of drones from surveillance to a broader perspective encompassing environmental and agricultural well-being.

Company Profile and Achievements

Marut Drones has carved a niche in the drone industry, particularly through its environmentally conscious solutions and cutting-edge tech developments:

  • Seedcopter 2.0: A signature innovation aimed at reforestation, aligning with global sustainability goals by promoting CSR activities among corporates.
  • AG365 Multi-Utility Drones: These drones are used for precision agriculture, such as pesticide spraying and crop monitoring, enhancing agricultural productivity.
  • CSR and Sustainable Development: The Hara Bahara campaign, launched by Marut Drones, aims to plant one billion trees by 2030. This initiative uses advanced drones to plant seed balls in challenging terrains.
  • DGCA Certification: Achieved certification for multiple drones, enhancing the company's credibility and market presence.

Current Operations and Market Position

Marut Drones currently operates with a strong focus on expanding its technological and market impact across India. With over 1,000 drone pilots and a fleet of 750 drones, the company has a significant operational capability across 14 Indian states. The company aims to empower communities by providing training through drone academies and fostering the next generation of drone entrepreneurs. Its integration of IoT, AI, and machine learning enhances its drones' effectiveness and applicability, setting Marut Drones as a formidable player in the drone industry, with a particular focus on transformation in agriculture and sustainability.

Conclusion

Marut Drones represents a growing force in India's drone industry, leveraging its technological prowess to address critical environmental and agricultural challenges. With recent financial injections and strategic expansions, the company is well-positioned to influence the country’s agri-tech and environmental strategies significantly. The continued focus on sustainable development, coupled with a comprehensive expansion strategy, suggests a promising future trajectory that aligns well with global industry trends in technological and sustainable advancements.

References

  1. Marut Drones on MarutDrones.com
  2. Business Standard
  3. CXO Today
  4. The Hindu Business Line
  5. DroneLife
  6. India Education Diary
  7. Crunchbase - Marut Drones
  8. VCCircle
  9. Your Story
  10. Economic Times