IIT Madras, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies & IAF's 8 BRD sign MoU for joint research in defence tech

The tripartite partnership aims to jointly undertake in-house Research & Development (iR&D) in defence technologies.

Published on: Oct 3, 2025, 16:51:07 IST

By HT Education Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies and 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 defence technologies.

IIT Madras, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies and 8 Base Repair Depot (8 BRD) of the IAF are collaborating to jointly undertake in-house Research & Development (iR&D) in defence technologies. (File)

The tripartite partnership will leverage on the deep-tech expertise of Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies in UAVs and navigation systems, the renowned research and innovation ecosystem of IIT Madras, and the operational experience and domain knowledge of the Indian Air Force’s 8 BRD.

Also read: IIT Madras launches training program 'NIPTA' for engineering, diploma students

Sai Pattabiram, Founder & Managing Director at Zuppa spoke on the collaboration, and said that the MoU represents the convergence of industry innovation, academic excellence, and operational defence 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 defence with indigenous strength and global benchmarks,” Pattabiram added.

As part of collaboration, the three partners will focus on developing cutting-edge indigenous solutions that enhance operational efficiency, autonomy, and resilience in defence aviation and related systems.

Also read: IIT Madras begins admission process for Executive MBA for working professionals

The objective is to accelerate the co-creation of advanced technologies adaptable to the evolving requirements of the Indian Air Force, while also contributing to India’s strategic independence in critical defence technologies, a press statement informed.

In addition, the partnership will also enable the partners develop practical solutions to the operational challenges faced in the field.

Also read: IIT Madras, Hero MotoCorp join forces to strengthen industry–academia partnership for future mobility solutions

It may be mentioned here that Zuppa is a deep-tech drone intelligence company headquartered in India, specializing in autonomous aerial platforms and flight control systems.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT Education Desk
For over a decade, the Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk has been a trusted source for accurate, in-depth, and timely news on education and careers. We bring the latest updates on board exams, competitive exams, results, employment news, study abroad, scholarships, and school and college admissions, helping students, job seekers, and educators make informed decisions. Our Coverage Areas 1. Board Exams & Results: Comprehensive reporting on CBSE, CISCE, and state board exams (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and others), including schedules, admit cards, answer keys, results, and career opportunities. 2. Competitive Exams: Insights into major exams like UPSC, JEE, NEET, GATE, CAT, SAT, and state and central government services. Exam Results: Timely updates on UPSC, SSC, SBI, IBPS, NTA, IIMs, and other competitive exam results. 3. Employment News: Notifications on government and private sector jobs, vacancies, eligibility, application processes, and results. 4. Study Abroad: Information on top universities, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, visa regulations, and career prospects for international students. Features & Analysis: Opinion pieces, expert explainers, deep-dive reports, and interviews with key figures in education. 5. Breaking Education News: Real-time updates on major policy changes, institutional reforms, and trends shaping the education sector. 6. With a commitment to factual, unbiased journalism, HT Digital’s Education Desk has seen continuous growth in readership, offering credible and engaging content tailored for students, parents, and professionals. Meet the Team 1. Nilesh Mathur – News Editor A journalist with 24 years of experience, including 18+ years at Hindustan Times, Nilesh leads editorial planning, ensures factual accuracy, and enhances audience engagement through strategic content. 2. Papri Chanda – Deputy Chief Content Producer With over a decade of experience in education journalism, Papri specializes in exam-related content, study abroad insights, and education trends. She also explores new opportunities in education that benefit students. 3. Bishal – Senior Content Producer Active in the education and jobs sector since 2019, Bishal focuses on tracking developments, analyzing trends, and crafting informative content for students and job aspirants. 4. Gaurav Sarma – Deputy Chief Content Producer A multimedia journalist with 9+ years of experience, Gaurav is skilled in research-based storytelling, feature writing, and reporting on competitive exams, online courses, and education trends. At Hindustan Times Digital Streams – Education Desk, we strive to be the go-to platform for students and professionals navigating the dynamic world of education and careers.Read More

Get latest updates on NIRF Ranking along with Education and updates on other Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News.