V. Venkatachalam (centre), Principal, Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, exchanging the MoU with S. Somasundaram (left), Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Krushaka Unmanned and Airborne Solutions Private Limited in Erode in Tamil Nadu.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In a significant step towards fostering drone education and entrepreneurship, Krushaka Unmanned and Airborne Solutions Private Limited has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Erode Sengunthar Engineering College, Thudupathi, to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) on the college premises.

The MoU was signed by V. Venkatachalam, Principal, and Wing Commander (Retired) S. Somasundaram, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Bengaluru-based company. The Drone Development Centre of the college has entered into an agreement to set up a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved organisation, which will operate under a franchise model, with the company managing the training and certification process.

This collaboration aims to provide specialised training in various drone applications through courses such as the Kisan drone operator course, which focuses on agricultural applications, including precision spraying and crop monitoring; the cargo drone operator course, which covers logistics and delivery operations using unmanned aerial systems; and the survey and mapping operator course, which equips trainees with skills in aerial mapping and geospatial analysis.

Upon completing these courses, participants will be awarded a remote pilot license or certificate recognised by the DGCA. The training curriculum will be conducted on the college campus, adhering to DGCA-approved syllabus guidelines, with additional specialisations relevant to the courses offered.

This initiative is expected to benefit not only the students of the college but also drone enthusiasts from across the region.