- Lab inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman – NETF, NBA, NAAC
- Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, graced the occasion with his presence
- Focused career tracks in drone piloting, service and maintenance, and battery systems
- Drones to be trained and deployed for high-impact applications across agriculture, disaster response, surveillance, and smart infrastructure.
FARIDABAD: Manav Rachna University today inaugurated a pioneering drone training and innovation facility, the AeroVision Drone Lab, named as iFLY (Innovation in Flight Laboratory for Youth), under the sponsorship of AICTE and in collaboration with AVPL, aimed at creating a skilled, future-ready workforce in drone technology and services. The lab was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), Chairman of National Board of Accreditation (NBA), Chairman EC-National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC), in the august presence of Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, and senior dignitaries from Manav Rachna Educational Institutions.
Set up as a robust, interdisciplinary hub, the iFLY lab will cater to students of multiple BTech specializations, Computer Science, Mechanical, Robotics, Electronics, and Artificial Intelligence, preparing them for emerging career roles such as drone pilots, service technicians, and battery system experts. Applications will span across the vital sectors of agriculture, surveillance, and disaster management.
“This generation needs immersive, hands-on exposure to the technologies that will shape India’s future. iFLY is more than a training lab. It embodies where academic excellence meets national need. With drones playing an increasingly critical role in agriculture, infrastructure, defence, and emergency response, this initiative by Manav Rachna sets the right tone for what technical education must look like in 2025 and beyond.”
said Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe at the ceremony.
Manav Rachna believes in interdisciplinary and innovative learning, and the iFLY lab brings this philosophy to life by integrating practical training, industry exposure, and cross-disciplinary education under one roof.
“We are living in a time where emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, robotics, quantum computing, and biotechnology are transforming industries, redefining job roles, and revolutionizing how we live and work. Lifelong learning and continuous upskilling are not optional; they are essential.”
Said Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE.
The lab has been established in partnership with AVPL, a company engaged in drone manufacturing, training, and AgriTech-based workforce development. The collaboration brings industry insight directly into the university ecosystem, ensuring students are exposed to current technologies, workflows, and certifications aligned with employment demands.
“Through iFLY, we are bringing drone innovation into the heart of higher education. Whether it’s mechanical, electronics, design, communication, or applications in agriculture and civil engineering, this lab immerses students in multidisciplinary, real-world learning.”
said Rajive Gulati, AVPL.
Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI, emphasized the broader vision behind iFLY,
“We see iFLY as the beginning of a knowledge ecosystem where innovation, skills, and industry come together. Our students will not only gain certifications for today’s job roles but also become contributors to how this industry evolves in India. At Manav Rachna, we believe in giving our engineers roots in strong fundamentals and wings to fly into future industries.”
Speaking about the university’s interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI, added,
“The most powerful ideas are born where disciplines converge. Drones are not just flying machines; they are the confluence of mechanical systems, embedded intelligence, AI, and human insight. iFLY will help our students think beyond silos and approach problem-solving with a uniquely integrated mindset.”
Highlighting the academic and research edge the lab will bring, Prof. (Dr.) Deependra Kumar Jha, Vice Chancellor of Manav Rachna University, stated,
“iFLY will act as a platform for applied research, product development, and entrepreneurial incubation in drone services. From aerial analytics in agriculture to automated responses in disaster zones, the applications are limitless. Our focus is not only to create qualified professionals but also to ignite curiosity, innovation, and leadership in emerging technologies.”
The iFLY lab aims to establish an applied knowledge ecosystem to address the surging demand in India for skilled drone personnel across sectors. It aligns with national initiatives such as Drone Shakti and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, building capacity not just at the operator level but also in maintenance, systems integration, and AI-enabled drone intelligence.