New Delhi, Sep 18: Taking innovation beyond the classroom, students and alumni of Lovely Professional University have turned their expertise in drones, robotics and aeromodelling into a defence-focused deep-tech startup, ASTRA Drones & Robotics Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Founded by Siddharth Kushwaha, Anirban Sarkar and Sarthak Gaira, the startup is developing indigenous unmanned aerial systems for defence, surveillance, disaster response and industrial applications.
The founders’ journey began at LPU, where they were actively involved in the Renovation Tech Robotics and Aeromodelling Club, leading drone and robotics activities, mentoring students, conducting technical workshops and participating in national competitions. Their team earned recognition at several drone and robotics competitions hosted by leading IITs and NITs, building strong hands-on expertise in UAV development. The experience reflects the focus of LPU’s EduRevolution initiative, which encourages experiential learning, student-led innovation and practical application of classroom knowledge. LPU has also recognised Sarthak Gaira and Anirban Sarkar among its students involved in developing drone, VTOL, robotics and automation technologies for defence applications.
Their technical experience further expanded through work with the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. During this period, the team contributed to the development and testing of multiple drone platforms, including surveillance drones, kamikaze drones and other specialised UAV systems. Such hands-on exposure is also aligned with LPU’s broader emphasis on research, innovation and industry-oriented learning.
Founded in January 2026, ASTRA today has a portfolio comprising FPV drones, surveillance drones, VTOL drones, training UAVs and customised drone platforms. In April 2026, the startup was selected for incubation at the Technology Business Incubator Foundation, IIT Ropar, giving the young founders access to mentoring, research support and innovation infrastructure. The journey comes as LPU marks 25 Years of its institutional journey, with student entrepreneurship and innovation forming an increasingly visible part of its higher education ecosystem.
The company’s flagship innovation is its Counter-UAS Interceptor Drone System, a high-speed indigenous platform designed to detect, pursue and intercept hostile unmanned aerial systems. Developed with a focus on indigenous engineering and modularity, the platform aims to strengthen India’s counter-drone capabilities and support the country’s growing focus on self-reliance in defence technology.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Founder Chancellor, Lovely Professional University, said,
“Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing our students apply their knowledge for the nation. The journey of ASTRA is a strong example of how education, innovation and real-world exposure can empower young minds to create solutions with national impact. We are proud to see our students take their ideas beyond the classroom and contribute to India’s growing defence and deep-tech ecosystem.”
Siddharth Kushwaha, Co-founder, ASTRA Drones & Robotics Solutions Pvt. Ltd., said,
“Our experience at LPU gave us the opportunity to work hands-on with drones, robotics and emerging technologies. This exposure, combined with our experience in defence technology, encouraged us to build indigenous solutions that can address real operational requirements and contribute to India’s journey towards self-reliance.”
With its focus on indigenous engineering and next-generation UAV technologies, ASTRA aims to develop solutions for defence forces, government agencies, homeland security, disaster response, industrial applications and research, contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
