What began as a student project to monitor sedimentation at Odisha's Hirakud Dam has evolved into one of India's emerging defence technology ventures. Founded by four friends in 2018, IG Defence is now developing indigenous drones, missile systems and battlefield technologies as part of India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The company traces its origins to IG Drones, established by Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Om Prakash, Santosh Mishra and Shuvam Dash. Initially focused on commercial drone applications for infrastructure, mining, energy and surveying, the firm later expanded into defence technology as India's emphasis on indigenous military capabilities gathered pace.
Today, IG Defence has developed several homegrown technologies, including India's first 5G-enabled drone, an indigenous defence drone simulator and advanced first-person-view (FPV) and long-range strike drone platforms designed for modern warfare. The company is also working on autonomous combat systems and missile technologies aimed at strengthening India's domestic defence ecosystem.
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According to Sanghapriya, the company has deliberately built its technology in-house instead of relying on imported components or foreign collaborations. Its research spans artificial intelligence, aerodynamics, electronics, software engineering, system integration and manufacturing, enabling it to develop products tailored to operational requirements.
The company has secured projects across defence, homeland security and strategic infrastructure, benefiting from the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and growing preference for indigenous procurement.
IG Defence has raised around $6 million from investors, including venture capital firm Finvolve and India Accelerator, to expand manufacturing, strengthen research and development, and recruit specialised talent. While its research and development centre remains in Bhubaneswar, the company operates a corporate office in Noida.
Having recorded over 300 per cent growth in the past two years, the start-up is now preparing to raise $20 million in its next funding round. By 2029-30, it aims to build a ₹10,000-crore domestic order pipeline, expand into international markets and broaden its portfolio of indigenous defence technologies.
The company's growth reflects the increasing role of Indian start-ups in developing advanced military systems and supporting the country's ambition to become a global hub for defence manufacturing.
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