Goa Aims to attract Drone Companies, strengthen R&D and training infrastructure

Representatives from drone companies, academia, and allied sectors participated, focusing on strengthening drone pilot training facilities, establishing research and development (R&D) labs, introducing drone technician training, and advancing drone testing capabilities within Goa.

During the meeting, a detailed presentation outlined the current global drone market, the Indian scenario, and Goa’s strategic positioning within this rapidly evolving sector. The meeting also provided a comparative analysis of drone policies across India, further emphasizing the need for revisions to the existing framework. The discussions centered around creating a more conducive environment for drone innovation in Goa, which included addressing training and placement opportunities in collaboration with academia and industry leaders.

The Goa Drone Policy 2022, already a significant step forward, was revisited during the meeting. The policy aims to build institutional and academic capacity, ensuring that students are exposed to drone technology from an early stage and also highlights the importance of creating employment opportunities for Goans and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative by encouraging the local development and manufacturing of drones and related components. Increasing awareness of drone technology across both public and private sectors is also a key objective, with plans to host various technology conclaves and forums to drive engagement and knowledge sharing.

Looking ahead, one of the significant goals discussed was the attraction of at least three drone companies to establish their operations in the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) at Tuem, Goa, by March 2025. Stakeholders also explored the various schemes soon to be notified under the Goa Drone Policy 2022. These schemes are aimed at providing comprehensive support to drone service providers, including subsidies for capital investment and insurance, as well as marketing support. In addition, there are plans to offer a subsidy for drone remote pilot license training and provide investment subsidies to academic institutions looking to establish drone labs, further strengthening Goa’s infrastructure for drone research and development.