The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, November 9, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a landmark development for India’s drone technology and logistics sectors, Odisha-based deep tech startup Bon V Aero launched Air Orca, the nation’s first fully autonomous logistics drone. The event, hosted at C.V. Raman Global University, was made even more significant by the presence of renowned U.S. venture capitalist Tim Draper, an early backer of iconic companies like Tesla and Hotmail. Draper’s involvement underscores international interest in Bon V Aero’s innovation and positions Odisha as a burgeoning hub for advanced technology.
“This launch of Air Orca marks an important milestone for India’s logistics sector and for us as an Odisha-based company,” said Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of Bon V Aero. “By developing and manufacturing this drone indigenously, we’ve created a solution tailored to India’s unique logistics challenges. Tim Draper’s support amplifies our mission to make Air Orca an impactful asset for both civilian and defense applications across the nation.”
Draper, expressing his enthusiasm, said, “Witnessing the launch of Air Orca in Odisha is exciting. Autonomous drones like Air Orca offer practical solutions for modern logistics, with potential applications ranging from disaster response to high-altitude defense operations. Given recent hurricane experiences in the U.S., I see Bon V Aero’s innovation as a promising tool for disaster response not only in India but also globally.”
Fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India, Air Orca is engineered to tackle logistical challenges in regions where traditional transportation is impractical. Its autonomous capabilities allow it to serve as a first responder in post-disaster scenarios, delivering essential supplies and providing support in emergencies. Air Orca is also capable of high-altitude operations, making it ideal for military logistics in remote terrains, including the Himalayan regions at elevations up to 20,000 feet. Notably, Bon V Aero set a world record by lifting a 30 kg payload at Umling La in Ladakh, surpassing helicopter performance in such extreme conditions.
With Air Orca, Bon V Aero aims to address logistics needs across sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, defense, and disaster management, both within India and internationally. This achievement not only strengthens India’s technological ecosystem but also highlights the growing role of Odisha-based companies in driving localized innovation with global impact.
Founded in 2021 with a small team of seven, Bon V Aero has grown to a team of 40 and operates a dedicated manufacturing unit within C.V. Raman Global University. Supported by prominent backers like Draper, Inflection Point Ventures, and IIT Mandi Catalyst, the startup is now positioned to lead India’s drone technology landscape.
