The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched NIDAR 2.0 under the SwaYaan initiative in partnership with the Drone Federation India. The national challenge encourages students to develop indigenous drone technologies, autonomous systems and AI-powered drone intelligence using India’s homegrown VEGA processor.
- MeitY launched NIDAR 2.0 with Drone Federation India under the SwaYaan initiative.
- Competition focuses on indigenous drone technologies, autonomous systems and avionics.
- Students will develop AI-powered drone intelligence using India’s VEGA processor.
- The first edition attracted over 3,400 students and awarded Rs 40 lakh in prizes.
India has taken another major step towards becoming a global leader in drone technology with the launch of NIDAR 2.0 (National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research) for 2026-27. Introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Drone Federation India (DFI) under the SwaYaan initiative, the programme aims to accelerate innovation in indigenous drone technologies and autonomous systems.
Launching the challenge at Electronics Niketan, New Delhi, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan unveiled the official problem statements, competition poster and rulebook. He said NIDAR 2.0 represents a significant shift from simply operating drones to designing the intelligence that powers them, creating a stronger foundation for India’s self-reliant drone ecosystem.
A key highlight of this edition is the integration of the VEGA processor, developed under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme. By encouraging students to build drone intelligence using an indigenous processor architecture, the initiative supports India’s broader vision of reducing dependence on imported semiconductor technologies while strengthening domestic innovation.
The launch event witnessed participation from senior officials of MeitY, the India Semiconductor Mission, the Drone Federation India, along with representatives from the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Defence, Home Affairs, DGCA, academia and industry. Their presence reflected the government’s growing emphasis on building a collaborative and future-ready drone ecosystem.
The success of the inaugural edition has laid a strong foundation for the expanded programme. NIDAR 2025 attracted 3,448 students from 22 states, four Union Territories and 109 cities, with participants developing drone solutions for precision agriculture and disaster management. The competition concluded with 93 finalist teams and 24 winners receiving prizes worth Rs 40 lakh.
Building on that momentum, NIDAR 2.0 introduces two specialised competition tracks focused on autonomous systems, indigenous avionics and core drone components. The initiative is expected to nurture the next generation of innovators while advancing Make in India, Digital India and the country’s ambition to become a global hub for drone and semiconductor technologies.
With NIDAR 2.0, India is empowering students to develop cutting-edge indigenous drone technologies, helping create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports the nation’s long-term goals in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor design and autonomous aviation
FAQs
1. What is NIDAR 2.0?
NIDAR 2.0 is MeitY’s National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research that promotes indigenous drone technologies and autonomous systems.
2. Who is organising NIDAR 2.0?
The challenge is organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with the Drone Federation India.
3. What is the focus of NIDAR 2.0?
The competition focuses on autonomous drones, indigenous avionics, AI-powered drone intelligence and core drone components.
4. What is the VEGA processor used in NIDAR 2.0?
VEGA is India’s indigenous RISC-V processor developed under the Digital India RISC-V programme to support self-reliant technology development.
