Indian government is on the mission to turn the country into a Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) / Drone hub by 2030 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by accelerating the pace of development of India’s Uncrewed Aircraft / Drone industry. India’s UAS market could grow to INR 500 billion (US$6.8 billion) in the next five years.

Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) are used across many industries like defense, construction, infrastructure, mining, telecom, geospatial mapping, agriculture/farming, media & entertainment, law enforcement, oil and gas for surveillance, security, safety, disaster management, land survey, progress and condition monitoring through aerial photography and thermal imaging. More widespread consumer market applications will soon become realistic, keeping pace with progress in tech innovation and reduced costs. Some of these include drone-facilitated last mile delivery for the retail, healthcare and logistics sectors.

SAEINDIA Aerospace Forum is organizing AeroTHON 2023 competition for students with primary focus on developing design, build and piloting skills of Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) to prepare them industry ready for the emerging market. As part of AeroTHON 2023, students undertake a full design and build cycle of an Uncrewed aerial vehicle meeting specific mission requirements, culminating in a final fly-off event.

Objectives:

1. To inculcate an innovation mindset among the student community in emerging technologies like Uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV)
2. To Incubate and nurture skills and capabilities of aero design in young minds and prepare them for Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical aerospace technologies.
3. To provide a platform for Aero-passionate students to demonstrate UAV design expertise
4. To help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs

Contest Structure:

Phase 1:  Design and Technical Presentation

1. Innovative designs presentation from the participant teams
2. Innovative designs evaluation by industry and academic experts
3. Top 20 teams shortlisted for Phase 2

Phase 2:  Flight Test with a final presentation highlighting readiness to Fly and Awards

1. Building the prototype of the UAV
2. Technical presentation on the prototype and readiness to Fly the UAV
3. Flight Test
4. Awarding prizes to 7 teams

Registration Guidelines: 

1. Registration Fee: Rs. 15,000 + 18% GST per team
2. Teams can be formed with a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 10 students of multiple disciplines with one faculty advisor.
3. It is mandatory for participating students to become student members of SAEINDIA. It is encouraged to take up the membership under +1 scheme as membership status continues for one more year after the completion of graduation.
4. Though not mandatory, Faculty are encouraged to become a Faculty Member of SAEINDIA and avail the benefits available for the faculty member of SAEINDIA.
5. Visit: https://www.saeindia.org/become-a-member/ to sign up for SAEINDIA membership.

Awards & prizes