In an interview with TimesTech, Gurinder Singh Goindi, President of Drone Planet, shares how the platform is bridging critical gaps in India’s drone landscape. By integrating over 31 RPTOs, collaborating with IITs and NSDC, and embedding AI-driven tools, Drone Planet is streamlining drone operations, skilling, and services across sectors, creating a national-level ecosystem to power India’s rise as a global drone leader.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Drone Planet positions itself as India’s ultimate platform for all drone solutions. What inspired the creation of such a comprehensive ecosystem, and how does it aim to fill current industry gaps?
Gurinder: Drone Planet was conceptualized to address critical gaps in India’s drone industry. A key issue was the lack of a unified service ecosystem. Regulations mandate that drones must be operated by trained pilots, yet manufacturers and enterprises often struggle to find reliable RPTOs (Remote Pilot Training Organizations) to bridge this gap. By onboarding over 31 RPTOs, we’ve created a seamless connection between manufacturers, pilots, and enterprises.
Further, startups in the drone space face challenges in sourcing components and value-added services (VAS). Drone Planet has simplified this by aggregating component manufacturers and service providers onto a single platform.
For drone buyers and Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) providers, the platform enables informed decision-making and smooth access to pilots, spares, and other resources. This end-to-end solution improves operational efficiency and ROI across the ecosystem. In essence, Drone Planet is an aggregator that connects all stakeholders to facilitate a national-level drone service infrastructure.
TimesTech: With over 31 RPTOs and a growing network of certified manufacturers, Drone Planet is building a robust skilling and supply ecosystem. Can you shed light on your collaborations with institutions like IITs and NSDC and their role in advancing drone skilling in India?
Gurinder: India’s drone economy is poised for exponential growth, with potential contributions of 4-5% to GDP, as highlighted by FICCI. With projections of 6-7 lakh drones in use across villages, the demand for skilled operators is undeniable.
Drone Planet collaborates with premier institutions for technological innovation and large-scale skilling programs. These partnerships bridge the gap between current skill levels and future requirements, ensuring a steady pipeline of trained professionals to drive the drone revolution.
TimesTech: From building a city-wide Wi-Fi network to now leading AI-swarm drones for disaster response, your journey spans several industries. How has this diverse leadership experience shaped your vision for Drone Planet?
Gurinder: Mobility and remote access have been central themes throughout my career. Whether it was enabling seamless connectivity through city-wide Wi-Fi networks or revolutionizing global data flow via submarine cables, I’ve always focused on unlocking potential through technology.
The drone sector presents an unparalleled opportunity to amplify this impact. India, with its vast needs from rural connectivity to enterprise efficiency, offers a unique testing ground. My experiences across telecom and IT revolutions have reinforced the importance of scalable, adaptable solutions, which is the philosophy driving Drone Planet’s growth.
TimesTech: With over 33,000 drone UINs issued in India, demand is clearly rising. How is Drone Planet leveraging AI and data-driven tools to scale Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) and meet evolving enterprise and rural needs?
Gurinder: At Drone Planet, AI underpins our entire value chain. Our intelligent matchmaking engine connects service seekers with certified pilots and equipment, optimizing quality and timelines. Advanced analytics also power route planning, predictive maintenance, and sector-specific tools like computer vision for agriculture and infrastructure.
Furthermore, we’re enhancing training programs with personalized pathways tailored to individual skills and backgrounds. By embedding AI in every touchpoint, Drone Planet scales its operations to meet enterprise demands while empowering rural communities with accessible education and services.
TimesTech: You’ve often spoken about drones being more than just a technology, but tools of accessibility. Can you share examples of how drones are transforming rural areas, farms, or healthcare delivery in India?
Gurinder: Drones extend the reach of technology far beyond the limits of handheld devices. Equipped with advanced payloads like cameras and navigation systems, they have become indispensable tools for surveillance, agriculture, and healthcare.
For example, drones are transforming agriculture by performing precision spraying while simultaneously analyzing plant and soil health. Similarly, in healthcare, drones are bridging logistical gaps by delivering critical supplies to remote areas. These applications underscore their role as powerful enablers of accessibility and inclusion.
TimesTech: As India eyes global leadership in the drone economy, what regulatory, technological, or policy changes do you think are critical to unlock the sector’s full potential, and how is Drone Planet contributing to this vision?
Gurinder: India’s strength lies in its proven ability to lead global technological revolutions, as evidenced by its pivotal roles in the Y2K, telecom, and IT transformations. The drone sector has the potential to be even more impactful.
However, this requires a supportive policy framework that enables efficient data flow and encourages international collaboration. Drone Planet is committed to showcasing India’s drone advancements on a global stage while continuing to develop a comprehensive ecosystem that serves both domestic and international stakeholders.
