The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing has signed a memorandum of understanding with drone manufacturer ideaForge to deploy unmanned aerial systems for faster and more efficient emergency response operations. The collaboration aims to integrate advanced drone technology into disaster management and public safety workflows, enabling quicker assessment and response during critical situations.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will work together to use drones for real-time surveillance, mapping and data collection in emergency scenarios such as natural disasters, industrial accidents and search and rescue operations. The initiative is expected to enhance situational awareness for authorities and reduce response times during events where speed and accuracy are crucial.
C-DAC, a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, brings expertise in high performance computing, artificial intelligence and data analytics. ideaForge contributes its experience in building and deploying indigenous drones that are already used by defence and security agencies across India. The partnership combines computing intelligence with aerial platforms to create more responsive emergency systems.
Emergency response efforts often face challenges related to accessibility, visibility and time constraints. In flood zones, earthquake affected areas or regions impacted by landslides, ground teams may struggle to reach affected locations quickly. Drones equipped with cameras, sensors and communication systems can provide immediate aerial views, helping authorities understand the scale of damage and prioritise resources more effectively.
According to officials familiar with the initiative, the collaboration will focus on developing integrated solutions rather than standalone drone deployments. Data captured by drones will be processed using C-DAC’s computing and analytics capabilities to generate actionable insights. This could include real-time maps, damage assessments and predictive models that support decision making during emergencies.
The use of drones in disaster management has been gaining traction globally, but challenges remain around coordination, data integration and operational reliability. By combining hardware and software expertise, the partnership aims to address these gaps and create systems that can be deployed at scale. The focus will be on reliability, accuracy and interoperability with existing emergency response frameworks.
ideaForge’s drones have been used in surveillance, mapping and monitoring applications, including border security and infrastructure inspection. Adapting these platforms for emergency response requires additional capabilities such as rapid deployment, endurance and seamless data transmission. The collaboration with C-DAC is expected to support these requirements through advanced computing and AI driven analytics.
Public safety agencies are increasingly exploring technology led approaches to improve preparedness and response. Drones offer a way to gather information without putting first responders at risk, especially in hazardous environments. Real-time visuals and data can help emergency teams plan safer routes, identify trapped individuals and monitor evolving conditions.
The partnership also aligns with broader government efforts to promote indigenous technology development. Both C-DAC and ideaForge are Indian organisations, and the collaboration supports the goal of building homegrown solutions for critical national needs. Developing domestic capabilities in drone technology and advanced computing is seen as important for resilience and self reliance.
Analysts note that effective emergency response depends not only on technology but also on coordination between agencies. Integrating drone based data into command and control systems requires training, protocols and clear lines of communication. The collaboration is expected to involve pilot projects and demonstrations to test workflows and refine operational models.
In addition to disaster response, the technology could be extended to other public safety use cases such as crowd monitoring during large events or infrastructure assessment after accidents. The ability to quickly deploy drones and analyse data in near real time offers flexibility across multiple scenarios.
The agreement reflects a growing trend of collaboration between government research institutions and private technology companies. Such partnerships allow public agencies to leverage innovation while providing industry players with opportunities to deploy solutions in real world settings. For ideaForge, working with C-DAC could open pathways to integrate advanced analytics into its platforms.
C-DAC has previously worked on technology solutions for national missions, including healthcare, education and cybersecurity. Expanding into drone enabled emergency response represents an extension of its capabilities into physical and cyber systems. The integration of AI, data processing and aerial platforms highlights the convergence of multiple technology domains.
As climate related disasters and urban challenges increase, the demand for faster and more informed emergency response is expected to grow. Drones, when combined with intelligent data processing, can play a critical role in improving outcomes. The collaboration between C-DAC and ideaForge represents an effort to move from experimental deployments to more structured and scalable solutions.
The partners have not disclosed timelines for deployment, but the MoU sets the foundation for joint development and testing. Observers will be watching how the initiative translates into operational use and whether it can be adopted by emergency agencies across states and regions.
If successful, the collaboration could serve as a model for future technology driven public safety initiatives. By leveraging indigenous innovation and advanced computing, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s ability to respond to emergencies with speed, accuracy and coordination.