Noida-based deep-tech startup EndureAir Systems has raised USD 2.85 million (~INR 25 crore) in a funding round led by IAN Alpha Fund, with additional participation from IAN Angel Fund. The fresh capital will be deployed to strengthen the company’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) capabilities for the defense ecosystem, expand into enterprise markets, and accelerate the development of next-generation high-altitude logistics and aerial robotics platforms.
From Academic Research to Indigenous UAV Leadership
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, alongside his former students Rama Krishna (CEO) and Chirag Jain (CTO), EndureAir has rapidly evolved from an academic research initiative into one of India’s frontrunners in indigenous UAV technology.
Unlike drone assemblers that rely heavily on imported parts, EndureAir develops both hardware and software fully in-house. Its operations are backed by more than 15 years of rotorcraft research and protected by a growing portfolio of 8–9 patents covering flight dynamics, autonomy, and vertical take-off and landing technology.
UAV Portfolio and Deployments
EndureAir’s platforms have already proven themselves in diverse real-world conditions.
- Sabal: A heavy-lift logistics UAV family with payload capacity ranging from 10–70 kilograms. Its 20-kg variant has been inducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, marking a critical step in defense adoption.
- Vibhram: A long-endurance UAV that played a pivotal role in Telangana’s Medicine from the Sky program, delivering vaccines to remote and difficult-to-reach regions.
- Alakh: A nano-UAV series that has supported disaster-response missions, including the Chamoli cloudburst, Silkyara Tunnel collapse, and Turkey earthquake relief efforts.
The company is also working with Bharat Electronics (BEL) to co-develop high altitude logistics drones and with Druk Holding & Investments (DHI) in Bhutan on pilot projects to deliver supplies to remote Himalayan monasteries.
Strategic Vision and Market Position
EndureAir operates in an increasingly competitive UAV market, alongside players such as ideaForge, Garuda Aerospace, NewSpace Research, Paras Aerospace, IG Drones, Asteria Aerospace, Aero360, Redwing, General Aeronautics, and The ePlane Company. Its differentiation lies in its research-driven, indigenous approach, positioning it as a builder of rugged, mission-ready UAVs designed for India’s challenging terrains.
Co-founder & CEO Rama Krishna stated,
“With the help of this fundraise led by IAN Alpha Fund, we can move more quickly to develop strong, domestic systems that can function well even in the most difficult environments. Our goal is to not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also transform enterprise logistics and aerial mobility, positioning India as a global leader in UAV innovation.”
Backing this sentiment, Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner at IAN Alpha Fund, remarked,
“EndureAir embodies the very best of India’s deep-tech potential. By transforming cutting-edge research into powerful, indigenous solutions, they are meeting critical needs in defense, enterprise, and disaster response.”
A Boost for India’s UAV Ecosystem
India’s drone space is taking off and PLI scheme is giving a boost to domestic drone manufacturing. With drone adoption happening across defence, logistics, surveillance and humanitarian sectors, EndureAir is well placed to ride this wave.
By combining academic research roots, indigenous manufacturing and field proven deployments, EndureAir shows how Indian startups can convert innovation into defence assets and enterprise ready solutions. This funding round cements its position as a mission driven company in the growing Indian drone landscape. For more details related to IPO GMP, SEBI IPO Approval, and Live Subscription, stay tuned to IPO Central.