Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO of IG Defence, is among India’s most inspiring young innovators and is widely recognised as the ‘Drone Boy of Bharat’. Hailing from humble beginnings in Odisha, his journey has been driven by a strong sense of purpose to develop technology that serves the nation. What started as a passion for solving grassroots challenges has evolved into a mission to strengthen India’s defence capabilities through indigenous innovation. Today, through IG Defence, he leads the development of AI-powered drone, strike, and counter-UAS, contributing to India’s vision of technological sovereignty and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Excerpts…
What drove the strategic transition from IG Drones to IG Defence, and how has the company’s vision evolved since 2018?
The transition from IG Drones to IG Defence was driven by a clear realisation that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, and India needs strong indigenous capabilities to stay prepared. What began as a drone services and analytics company gradually transformed as we engaged closely with defence and government stakeholders, where the demand for reliable, combat-ready systems became evident. Since 2018, our vision has evolved from service delivery to building strategic defence capabilities, focusing on AI-powered autonomous systems, ISR platforms, and precision strike technologies. This shift was not just a business decision, but a commitment to national security and self-reliance.
How significant is the Rs 300 crore Odisha manufacturing hub in scaling production and strengthening self-reliance?
The Rs 300 crore manufacturing hub in Odisha is a defining milestone in our journey from innovation to scale. It is more than just a facility—it is the foundation of a robust, indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. This hub will enable high-volume production of advanced drone and defence systems, reduce dependency on imports, and ensure faster deployment cycles for our armed forces. It will also generate local employment, strengthen supply chains, and reinforce India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. For us, it represents building in India, for India, and ultimately for the world.
What challenges do you face in indigenising critical drone and anti-drone technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative?
Indigenising defence technology comes with significant challenges, including rapidly evolving warfare technologies and rigorous testing and certification processes. Global competition further raises the bar. However, we view these challenges as opportunities to innovate and build deeper capabilities. At IG Defence, we are investing in AI, autonomy, embedded systems, and simulation technologies to reduce dependencies and develop end-to-end indigenous solutions. True self-reliance lies in the ability to design, develop, and deploy systems entirely within the country—and that is the path we are committed to.
How is IG Defence collaborating with the Indian Army, Navy, and other security forces for product customisation?
Our development approach is deeply collaborative and driven by real-world requirements. We work closely with the Indian Army, Navy, and other security agencies through continuous field trials, rapid feedback loops, and co-development initiatives such as iDEX. Each system is tailored to specific mission needs and operational environments—whether high-altitude terrains, deserts, or maritime zones. This ensures our solutions are not only technologically advanced but also battlefield-ready, reliable, and optimised for the most demanding conditions.
What is your long-term roadmap for exports and positioning India as a global hub for advanced defence drone systems?
Our long-term roadmap focuses on positioning India as a global hub for advanced defence drone systems by combining technological excellence with cost efficiency. We are developing next-generation AI-driven autonomous platforms, expanding into global markets, and building strategic partnerships with friendly nations. Our goal is to establish India as a trusted provider of defence technologies, particularly in emerging markets. “Built in Bharat, Built for Bharat & Ready for the World” is not just an ambition—it is a strategic responsibility to showcase India’s growing defence capabilities on the global stage.
What inspired you to venture into this line of business, and what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter this field?
My journey has been guided by a simple belief: technology must serve the nation and solve real problems. From grassroots solutions to strengthening defence capabilities, my purpose has remained unchanged—to contribute to Bharat. To aspiring entrepreneurs: choose problems that matter, stay resilient amid uncertainty, and remain committed to your mission. Deep-tech and defence demand patience and conviction, but with purpose, your work will go beyond building a business—it will help build the nation.
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