Energy
IEW 2026: HPCL joins forces with Maraal Aerospace to launch India’s clean-energy drones
Maraal Aerospace is developing India’s first solar-powered, long-endurance drone, featuring high-efficiency aerodynamics combined with solar-assisted electric propulsion
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By ICN Bureau | January 31, 2026
Image Courtesy: HPCL
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has taken a bold step into India’s deep-tech and clean-energy future by partnering with IIT Kanpur-incubated startup Maraal Aerospace.
The collaboration was formalized at IEW 2026 in Goa through a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA), marking a major milestone in advancing India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem.
Under HPCL’s Startup Support Initiative, ‘HP Udgam’, the energy giant is investing Rs. 2 crores in Maraal Aerospace to accelerate product development, testing, and system validation, paving the way for faster product realization and scale-up.
Maraal Aerospace is developing India’s first solar-powered, long-endurance drone, featuring high-efficiency aerodynamics combined with solar-assisted electric propulsion. The drone boasts up to 12 hours of endurance, a 150 km one-way range, and a service ceiling of 6 km above Mean Sea Level, all while maintaining low operating costs and reducing logistical dependencies.
The platform is expected to enhance India’s defence and civilian capabilities, including border and maritime surveillance, ISR missions, infrastructure inspections, and disaster management operations.
Looking ahead, Maraal Aerospace is targeting a Solar + Hydrogen hybrid variant with 24-hour endurance and a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite platform capable of missions exceeding 90 days.
Through this strategic partnership, HPCL “reaffirms its commitment to strengthening India’s indigenous innovation ecosystem in clean-energy and deep-tech startups.”
