Dindigul, Jul 31: PSNA College of Engineering and Technology has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace Limited to strengthen industry–academia collaboration and expand training, research and innovation in drone technology.The agreements were signed by PSNA trustee Surya Raguraam and Garuda Aerospace Chief Operating Officer R. Vijaya Kumar.
The partnership aims to provide students with practical exposure, industry-oriented learning and access to emerging opportunities in the drone sector.Under the first agreement, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in drone technology will be established on the PSNA campus.
The facility will support applied research, innovation, advanced laboratory work, industry-linked student projects, technical workshops, faculty development programmes and collaborative research activities.The college has also acquired a medium-class agricultural drone and a customisable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone kit for the Centre.
The equipment is expected to help students gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills relevant to the evolving drone industry.The second MoU provides for the establishment of a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) at the institution.
The facility will enable eligible students and faculty members to undergo certified drone pilot training and obtain nationally recognised qualifications.College officials said the collaboration would help connect academic learning with industry requirements by offering practical training, technical mentorship and exposure to advanced drone applications.
The initiative is also expected to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship in areas where drone technology is increasingly being used, including agriculture, surveying, infrastructure inspection, mapping, logistics and disaster management.Garuda Aerospace Vice-President Sanjay Pal, PSNA Principal D. Vasudevan, faculty members Chinnasamy and K. Muralidharan, along with other representatives, attended the MoU signing ceremony.
Surya Raguraam said the partnership reflected the institution’s focus on future-ready education and the integration of academic knowledge with industry expertise.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence and the DGCA-approved pilot training facility is expected to create new learning and career pathways for students while supporting technological research and innovation in India’s growing drone ecosystem.
