New Delhi: TEXMiN Foundation (Technology Translation Research Park, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Aarav Unmanned Systems Private Limited (Aereo), a leading drone and aerial intelligence solutions provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Industry–Institute Interaction 2026 (III–2026) Conclave and Exhibition organised by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) jointly with the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), and TEXMiN, under the aegis of Industry-Institute Interaction (III-2026), to commemorate the Centenary Anniversary of IIT (ISM).
The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between TEXMIN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Aereo for establishing and operationalising a “TEXMIN – Aereo Aerial Intelligence in Mining-CoE (TAaIM). The initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of drone technologies, AI-driven analytics, and digital workflows across the mining and infrastructure sectors.
Under this collaboration, TEXMiN and Aereo will collaboratively work on joint technology development, translational research, pilot projects and industry sponsored projects focused on mining digitalisation, automation, and aerial intelligence. The partnership will operate on a collaborative funding model and will jointly participate in national and international tenders, sponsored R&D programmes, innovation challenges, and consultancy assignments aligned with the Centre’s objectives.
The Centre of Excellence will serve as a state-of-the-art infrastructure hub for collaborative research, solution validation, live demonstrations, and industry-oriented training programmes. Key areas of collaboration include the development of digital mining solutions leveraging drones, AI/ML, advanced analytics, and decision-support systems. The two organisations will co-develop prototypes and operational workflows for mine planning, monitoring, safety management, and environmental compliance.
Speaking on collaboration, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman, Hub Governing Board, TEXMiN Foundation, said, “This MoU is a step toward integrating aerial intelligence into the core of mining and infrastructure operations. By establishing the Centre of Excellence with Aereo, we are going to create a structured platform for research translation, industry-scale validation, and deployment of drone and AI-enabled technologies. The initiative aligns with our vision of enabling safe, smart, and sustainable mining through advanced cyber-physical systems.”
Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director, TEXMiN, added, “The CoE–AeroMine will serve as a bridge between laboratory innovation and field implementation. Through the joint development, pilot demonstrations, and active industry participation, we at TEXMiN aim to accelerate digital transformation in the mining sector. This partnership will not only enhance operational efficiency and safety but also strengthen India’s capability in indigenous aerial intelligence solutions.”
Talking about the MoU, Vipul Singh Co-founder and CEO of Aarav Unmanned Systems (Aereo) said, “We are proud to collaborate with TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in establishing this Centre of Excellence. It is dedicated to aerial intelligence in mining and infrastructure, and by combining Aereo’s expertise in drone-based data acquisition and analytics with TEXMiN’s deep knowledge in mining technologies, we aim to create scalable, data-driven solutions that improve productivity, safety, and environmental oversight across industrial operations.”
Through the signed MoU, collaboration will also focus on the deployment of jointly developed solutions at partner mines across PSUs and private sector organisations, along with the establishment of controlled testbeds at the CoE for benchmarking, validation, and stakeholder demonstrations. The collaboration further includes joint IP creation and structured mechanisms for technology validation, commercialisation, and licensing through mutually agreed frameworks. The CoE–AeroMine will also focus on designing and delivering Continuous Professional Development programmes, executive education modules, hackathons, internships, student projects, and faculty–industry exchange initiatives to build future-ready talent in aerial intelligence and digital mining technologies.
