The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, has partnered with AKSI Aerospace Group to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on aerospace and autonomous technologies, with plans to connect academic research with industrial applications and strengthen India's indigenous drone technology capabilities.
The proposed centre will work on areas such as droneplatforms, flight control systems, propulsion, batteries, advanced materials and autonomous technologies. It aims to give students and researchers hands-on exposure to engineering challenges, including prototyping, manufacturing, system integration and testing, according to a press release.
The initiative is intended to take research beyond academic settings by helping convert ideas into practical prototypes and industry-oriented solutions. It will also facilitate collaborative research, student projects, technical training and industry mentorship, with the broader aim of developing talent equipped to work in the aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sectors.
Raipur manufacturing plant planned
Alongside the Centre of Excellence, AKSI Aerospace plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Raipur. The proposed plant is expected to complement the centre's research and training activities by connecting technology development with industrial production.
The partnership is expected to bring together NIT Raipur's academic and research expertise and AKSI Aerospace's industry experience. This could create opportunities for students and researchers to engage with practical engineering and manufacturing processes while working on technologies relevant to the aerospace and drone industries.
Pankaj Akula, Group Managing Director of AKSI Aerospace Group, stated the centre aims to expose students to real-world challenges and help turn research into practical solutions.
“The proposed manufacturing facility in Raipur would further strengthen this approach by creating opportunities to connect technology development with manufacturing capabilities. Such initiatives are important to build skilled talent and advancing India’s self-reliance in aerospace and autonomous systems,” he added.
Applications across multiple sectors
The CoE is expected to support the development of technologies that could find applications in agriculture, logistics, surveillance and disaster response. Its focus on UAV systems and autonomous technologies is also intended to encourage solutions for industrial and other operational requirements.
AKSI Aerospace Group operates through nine specialised companies that develop UAV platforms and key components, comprising navigation systems, cameras, batteries, propulsion systems and airframe composites.
Its technologies cater to applications spanning agriculture, industrial operations, cargo transportation, surveillance and security. The proposed centre and manufacturing plant are expected to provide a platform to connect such industry requirements with research, technical training and indigenous technology.