Tripartite partnership to drive indigenous innovation in UAVs, navigation, and defense aviation systems
Chennai, October 3, 2025: Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, IIT Madras, and the 8 Base Repair Depot (8 BRD) of the Indian Air Force have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly undertake in-house Research & Development (iR&D) in defense technologies. The strategic collaboration unites the deep-tech expertise of industry, the innovation ecosystem of academia, and the operational knowledge of the armed forces, reinforcing India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense.
The partnership will focus on developing next-generation indigenous solutions in UAVs, navigation systems, and defense aviation technologies, designed to enhance operational efficiency, autonomy, and resilience.
Sai Pattabiram, Founder & Managing Director, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, said: “This MoU represents the convergence of industry innovation, academic excellence, and operational defense experience. By aligning with IIT Madras and the Indian Air Force, we aim to create next-generation UAV and navigation solutions that will serve the nation’s defense with indigenous strength and global benchmarks.”
Officials from the Indian Air Force noted that this partnership will help address real-world operational challenges, with IIT Madras providing advanced research capabilities and Zuppa offering proven technology expertise. The initiative also reflects the critical role of academia in nation-building, bridging innovation with defense preparedness.
The tripartite collaboration is expected to accelerate the co-creation of cutting-edge technologies adaptable to evolving requirements, while contributing to India’s strategic independence in critical defense domains.
About Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies
Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies is a deep-tech drone intelligence company headquartered in India, specializing in autonomous aerial platforms, flight control systems, and navigation technologies. With applications spanning precision agriculture, smart logistics, and AI-driven automation, Zuppa integrates proprietary hardware and software to deliver robust solutions in complex real-world environments. Founded by aerospace engineers and technologists, Zuppa’s vision is to build the future of unmanned flight from India to the world.
