SRM University-AP, AP Drones Corporation sign MoU

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

SRM University-AP and the Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening drone technology, research, innovation, skill development and real-world applications in Andhra Pradesh. The agreement is expected to create stronger links between academic research and the State’s emerging technology ecosystem, with a focus on developing practical drone-based solutions for sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, disaster management and healthcare.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and Lok Sabha Member Bastipati Nagaraju Panchalingala, highlighting the growing policy and institutional focus on drone technology as an emerging area of economic and technological development. Speaking on the collaboration, Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Registrar, SRM University-AP, said drone technology was developing rapidly and had the potential to transform multiple sectors. He said the partnership reflected the university’s commitment to building collaborations that connect academic expertise with national and regional development priorities.

The agreement is also expected to facilitate interdisciplinary research, development of drone components, testing, field trials and technology demonstrations. Such collaboration could enable researchers and students to work on real-world challenges and translate academic innovations into deployable technologies.

Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean–Research, SRM University-AP, said the partnership with APDC would provide a strong platform for interdisciplinary research and technology development. He emphasised the potential for drone technologies to address practical societal challenges through testing and demonstration in real-world environments. Prof. Ch. Satish Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, described the MoU as an important milestone in the university’s effort to build an ecosystem where education, research, innovation and societal needs converge.