HPCL Invests ₹20 Million In IIT Kanpur Startup Maraal Aerospace For Solar Drones

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has entered into a pact with Maraal Aerospace, a deep-tech startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, according to a press release to the exchanges. The state-owned energy major will invest ₹20 million in the startup, the release said.

This capital injection is structured under ‘HP Udgam’, the corporation's dedicated initiative for supporting startup ecosystems. The funding aims to accelerate product development, testing, and system validation processes. The company stated that the investment enables faster product realisation and operational scale-up for the firm.

Maraal Aerospace is currently developing what represents India’s first solar-powered long-endurance drone utilising clean-energy propulsion. The platform integrates high-efficiency aerodynamics with solar-assisted electric propulsion systems. Technical specifications released by the company indicate the drone offers an endurance of up to 12 hours. It possesses a one-way operational range of 150 kms and functions at a service ceiling of up to 6 kms above mean sea level. The design focuses on ensuring low operating costs while reducing logistical dependence.

The deployment of these platforms targets the strengthening of India’s defence capabilities and critical civilian applications. Key operational areas include border and maritime surveillance, alongside Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The drones are also suited for infrastructure and asset inspection, as well as disaster management operations, the statement noted.