MeitY Launches NIDAR 2.0: Advancing Indigenous Drone Technology with Homegrown Chips

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone Federation of India (DFI), has launched the second edition of the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0) for 2026-27. This flagship programme under the SwaYaan initiative represents a significant milestone in fostering innovation among students and strengthening India’s capabilities in unmanned aerial systems through the integration of indigenous semiconductor technology.

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Emphasis on Indigenous Technology

NIDAR 2.0 encourages participants to develop advanced autonomous drones powered by Indian-made chips, shifting the focus from basic operations to the creation of intelligent systems and core avionics components. Central to this effort is the VEGA family of processors, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under MeitY’s Microprocessor Development Programme. Built on the open-standard RISC-V architecture, these processors aim to enhance technological self-reliance in critical sectors.

During the launch event, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan highlighted the programme’s transformative potential. He noted that NIDAR 2.0 moves students beyond merely operating drones to designing their essential computing core, thereby laying a strong foundation for a robust, self-reliant drone industry in the country.

Innovation Tracks and Challenges

The challenge is structured around two dedicated tracks that address real-world applications. In the Drone Innovation track, student teams are tasked with creating fully autonomous swarm drones capable of operating in disaster zones to locate survivors and deliver essential supplies without relying on external communication networks. Teams are also challenged to develop GPS-denied drones suited for navigating confined indoor spaces during industrial inspections.

The Component Innovation track focuses on the design and development of indigenous flight controllers and autopilots built around the VEGA processor, utilising locally developed electronic components. Following an initial technical evaluation, the top 100 teams will receive VEGA processor kits to support their prototyping, testing, and integration efforts.

Rewards and Ecosystem Support

To inspire high-quality participation, NIDAR 2.0 offers an enhanced prize pool exceeding ₹65 lakh. Beyond cash awards, successful teams will benefit from comprehensive support including startup incubation opportunities, cloud computing credits, specialised software tools, and corporate internships. This ecosystem is designed to help translate innovative prototypes into viable commercial solutions, bridging the gap between academic research and industry needs.

Success of the First Edition

The inaugural edition of NIDAR, launched in 2025, demonstrated strong enthusiasm from across the country. It attracted over 3,000 students from 22 States and 4 Union Territories, who developed autonomous solutions for disaster management and precision agriculture. A total of 93 teams advanced to the Grand Finale, with 24 teams receiving prizes worth ₹40 lakh in recognition of their efforts. The positive response has paved the way for an even more ambitious second edition.

The SwaYaan Initiative

NIDAR 2.0 forms an integral part of the SwaYaan initiative, which was approved by MeitY in July 2022 with an outlay of nearly ₹90 crore. This five-year capacity-building programme seeks to develop a skilled workforce in unmanned aircraft systems by training thousands of participants through structured educational activities. Implemented via a hub-and-spoke model involving premier technical institutions, SwaYaan covers key domains such as drone electronics, guidance and navigation algorithms, aeromechanics, and practical applications.

Broader Implications for India’s Growth

By promoting innovation in autonomous drones and indigenous processors, NIDAR 2.0 contributes meaningfully to India’s technological advancement. It supports critical applications in disaster response, agriculture, defence, and industrial sectors while fostering a culture of research, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance among young talent. The initiative aligns with the country’s long-term vision of establishing itself as a global hub for drone technology by 2030.

The MGMM Outlook 

NIDAR 2.0 reflects India's growing focus on building a self-reliant technology ecosystem by encouraging students to develop advanced autonomous drones powered by indigenous semiconductor technology. By integrating the homegrown VEGA processors with drone innovation, the initiative goes beyond skill development and creates a pathway for strengthening India's capabilities in critical sectors such as disaster management, agriculture, defence, and industrial automation. The programme also highlights the importance of nurturing young innovators who can contribute to the country's long-term technological ambitions.

The initiative demonstrates a strategic approach to reducing dependence on imported technologies while supporting the vision of an indigenous semiconductor and drone manufacturing ecosystem. With startup incubation, industry partnerships, research opportunities, and practical innovation challenges, NIDAR 2.0 helps bridge the gap between academia and industry. As India continues to invest in emerging technologies under programmes like SwaYaan, such initiatives can accelerate innovation, create high-value employment, and position the country as a global leader in drone and advanced electronics development.

(Sources: News on Air, ANI News, PIB)