In an interview with TimesTech, Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder and CEO of BonV Aero, discusses how the company is redefining global air mobility through indigenous eVTOL and heavy-lift UAV innovations. He shares insights on BonV Aero’s commitment to sustainability, electric propulsion, and inclusive STEM initiatives—along with its collaborative approach with defence, regulators, and academia to make India a global hub for next-generation aerospace innovation.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How do you envision this innovation reshaping the future of urban air mobility and sustainable aviation globally?
Satyabrata: At BonV Aero, we believe the next leap in aviation will be defined by accessibility, sustainability, and efficiency. Our innovations in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems and heavy-lift UAVs are not just about faster transport but about reimagining how cities move people, goods, and critical supplies. Globally, this means shorter travel times, reduced congestion, and the ability to connect remote or underserved areas seamlessly with urban centres. Urban air mobility will no longer be a luxury; it will be an integral part of daily life, and our indigenous technologies are engineered to make this future scalable and affordable.
TimesTech: Could you share how your solutions—such as electric propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels—will help reduce the carbon footprint of the aerospace industry?
Satyabrata: Our platforms are powered by electric propulsion, which eliminates direct carbon emissions and significantly reduces noise pollution compared to conventional aircraft. By focusing on high-efficiency propulsion systems, lightweight modular designs, and the potential integration of sustainable aviation fuels for hybrid operations, we are developing solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of aerospace. In construction, defence, logistics, and humanitarian missions, these eco-friendly aerial systems reduce dependency on fuel-heavy helicopters and trucks, contributing to both climate goals and cleaner skies.
TimesTech: What initiatives are you driving to promote STEM education, particularly for young women and underrepresented groups in the aerospace industry?
Satyabrata: We strongly believe that the aerospace industry will thrive only if the next generation of innovators is empowered. Through our incubation programs at CV Raman Global University and active partnerships with IITs and regional engineering colleges, we mentor young engineers by involving them directly in live projects. A conscious part of this effort is encouraging participation from women and underrepresented groups by creating an inclusive environment where ownership is given from day one.
TimesTech: What key challenges has BonV Aero faced in areas like technology, financing, and compliance, and how have you overcome them?
Satyabrata: Like any deep-tech startup, we faced challenges in scaling high-altitude UAV technology in India, where extreme terrains demand robust innovation. Financing cutting-edge R&D in this space was also a hurdle, but strategic partnerships with defence stakeholders and recognition through awards and records helped us attract support. On the compliance front, we have worked closely with regulators, ensuring our systems are built to align with evolving frameworks. Our approach has always been to anticipate these hurdles early and turn them into opportunities whether by developing indigenous electronics to reduce import dependency or by aligning our roadmap with India Army’s immediate needs and broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
TimesTech: Can you talk about BonV Aero’s partnerships with industry leaders, regulators, and global stakeholders, and how these collaborations are shaping your growth?
Satyabrata: Collaboration has been at the heart of our journey. From working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Indian Army in frontline deployments to engaging with MHA forces, disaster management agencies and civil agencies, we’ve ensured our technology is trialed, tested and refined in real-world conditions. At the same time, our proactive dialogue with regulators ensures that our solutions are not just innovative but also compliant, scalable, and safe. Collaborations give us both credibility and the confidence to take our products global.
TimesTech: What are your expansion plans in markets like the US and the Middle East, and how do you see India positioning itself as a hub for next-gen aerospace innovation?
Satyabrata: We are actively exploring countries that share a strong appetite for advanced aerial logistics, urban air mobility, and dual-use defence technologies. Our cost-effective, indigenous solutions give us a competitive edge against international players. India, with its unique mix of high-altitude terrains, disaster-prone regions, and rapidly growing urban centers, is already becoming a natural testbed for next-gen aerospace solutions. By demonstrating our capability to solve India’s toughest challenges, we are confident of positioning BonV Aero as not just an Indian company but a global leader in sustainable aerial mobility.
