The iCreate Drone Challenge 2025, powered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, is calling innovators, engineers, and creators across India to take their drones and their dreams to new heights.

Designed as a platform for bold experimentation and real-world impact, this national challenge invites participants to push the boundaries of what drones can do. At its core, the challenge focuses on two key tracks- Aerial Excellence and Component Indigenisation. These reflect the need for both performance and self-reliance in India’s growing drone ecosystem. Whether it’s improving payload capacity, flight stability, or developing indigenous components that reduce import dependence, participants are encouraged to bring forward solutions that can define the future of India’s aerial capabilities.

Under Aerial Excellence, participants will compete in three high-performance themes that test speed, strength, and endurance.

The Speed Challenge focuses on building and demonstrating the fastest drone possible. The current world record stands at 263.1 km/h. Can Indian innovators go faster? Participants will explore aerodynamics, propulsion efficiency, and controller stability at high velocity to make that happen.

The Payload Challenge is all about strength and balance. The existing record for the heaviest payload lifted by a remotely controlled drone is 101 kilograms. Innovators will work on enhancing powertrain efficiency, improving structural strength, and optimising load distribution to lift more without compromising flight stability.

The Endurance Challenge tests how long a drone can stay in the air. The current benchmark is around 4 hours and 40 minutes. This category encourages breakthroughs in battery innovation, fuel cell technology, lightweight materials, and energy management systems to keep drones flying for as long as possible.

The second track, Component Indigenisation, focuses on developing critical drone parts right here in India. From flight controllers to propulsion systems, this track aims to strengthen the country’s self-reliance in advanced drone manufacturing.

Open to startups, students, and individual innovators, the Drone Challenge 2025 aims to convert working prototypes into functional, high-performance drones. Participants will not only receive access to iCreate’s advanced fabrication and testing facilities, but also mentorship from industry experts, policymakers, and technologists who are driving India’s UAV transformation. Winners will gain access to iCreate’s state-of-the-art prototyping labs, expert mentorship, and a funding pool of ₹2 crore. The most promising teams will also receive incubation opportunities and a pathway into iCreate’s ProtoQuik Launchpad, helping them turn their prototypes into scalable solutions.

More than a competition, the iCreate Drone Challenge 2025 is a celebration of imagination, resilience, and innovation. It is where young minds build technology that creates real impact — in defence, logistics, disaster response, and sustainability.

Applications for the challenge are now open. The last date to apply is 15 November 2025. To participate, visit www.idc.icreate.org.in and be part of India’s journey toward drone innovation that aims to go beyond records.