Start-ups in the geospatial space are transforming traditional industries by merging AI, satellite imagery, and drone technologies, enabling real-time analysis and smarter decision-making. At the forefront of this evolution is Iris Aerial Innovations, a dynamic, self-funded company offering a fully integrated platform that merges engineering, AI, and drone manufacturing to deliver cutting-edge, end-to-end geospatial solutions.

A Unified Approach to Engineering, AI, and Drone Technology

Established in 2023 and headquartered in New Delhi, Iris Aerial Innovations was born out of a vision to bridge the gap between classical engineering practices and the future of geospatial intelligence. Now operating across Nepal, Bhutan, and regions in Africa, Iris integrates three critical verticals into one ecosystem. The Engineering Vertical specializes in GIS-based surveys, DPR preparation, and infrastructure design for the national projects, watershed mapping, and advanced capabilities like LiDAR data processing, photogrammetry, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Its AI-Integrated Drone Vertical offers intelligent aerial imaging for surveillance, inspection, and disaster response. The Drone Manufacturing Vertical builds high-performance UAVs for commercial and defence use.

Groundbreaking Projects Across India

In just a year and a half, Iris Aerial Innovations have been completed over 50 projects across diverse terrains from the mountains of Ladakh to the coasts of Gujarat

and Visakhapatnam, and the tropical forests of West Bengal and the Seven Sisters. Utilizing drones, LiDAR, and orthophotography, the company has revolutionized topographic surveys and remote visualization for large-scale infrastructure development. Its flagship innovation, the Aerial Video Smart Monitor (AVSM), leverages AI to automate aerial footage analysis, enabling efficient infrastructure monitoring without constant human presence, significantly improving operational efficiency and responsiveness.

A Self-Funded Success Story

Iris Aerial Innovations was founded by Nikhil Saini and remains fully self-funded without external investment or loans. This independence allows for agility in managing the high operational costs associated with government-linked infrastructure projects. Despite these challenges, Iris has maintained a 100 percent project success rate, often outperforming larger and better-funded competitors due to its lean execution and technological edge.

Leadership & Vision

The company is led by a focused leadership team. Founder and CEO Nikhil Saini oversees Business Development, Creative Strategy, Growth, and Finance, while Co-founder Deep Kumar manages Engineering and National Operations. The team behind Iris Aerial Innovations consists of top-tier talent from industry and academia individuals united by a shared vision and relentless commitment to innovation, driving global collaborations and enhanced AI-driven capabilities.

Pushing the Boundaries of Industrial Remote Sensing

One of Iris Aerial Innovations' standout achievements is its recent collaboration with major infrastructure and technology organizations. These efforts have resulted in advanced remote-sensing tools now used by the Indian Armed Forces and the infrastructure and mining sectors, exemplifying its philosophy of delivering ‘Versatile Operations Through Remote-Sensing’ with precision, efficiency, and intelligent automation.

According to Nikhil Saini, “While engineering remains our core strength, our AI division especially the AVSM model sets us apart by supporting critical government and military projects. Our drone manufacturing capabilities are evolving rapidly, and we are committed to making them among the best in the industry”.

The Road Ahead

Iris Aerial Innovations is poised to scale with a bold mission, to redefine India’s geospatial landscape through the unparalleled integration of engineering, AI, and drone technology. As the company expands its global footprint and enhances its tech stack, its focus remains clear elevating infrastructure, strengthening defence, and enabling data-driven project execution.