Interview: Shubham Baranwal, Co-Founder and Director of Nibrus Technologies

An interview with Shubham Baranwal, Co-Founder and Director of Nibrus Technologies, an aerial survey and drone manufacturing company

We are excited to speak with Mr. Shubham Baranwal, Co-Founder and Director of Nibrus Technologies. With a visionary approach to technology and innovation, Mr. Baranwal has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success.

His leadership and forward-thinking strategies have driven Nibrus Technologies to new heights, making this discussion an invaluable opportunity to explore the dynamics of modern tech entrepreneurship.

Can you share the story behind the founding of Surveyaan and what inspired you to enter the aerospace and drone manufacturing industry?

Shubham Baranwal: Surveyaan was founded by three friends—Abhishek, Amit, and Shubham—who were passionate about robotics during their college days. They participated in many competitions and won several, including the national-level E-Yantra contest hosted by IIT Bombay.

After college, we worked in different MNCs for about two years but stayed in touch, often talking about our college projects. These conversations sparked the idea of starting our own company. We had always been dedicated students and believed we could achieve something great together.

During college, Amit and Abhishek attended an aeromodelling course at IIT Delhi but never built a drone. Our projects mainly focused on ground robots. However, we were inspired to contribute to the future of the drone industry and started working on drones and photogrammetry software.

We are proud of our progress in drone technology. We have certified a lightweight drone called Surveyaan V1, and we are the first in India to develop photogrammetry software.

When we started, we noticed a significant gap in the market. There was no complete solution for survey consultants, and buying a drone and photogrammetry software was very expensive, around 10-12 lakhs. This is where Surveyaan comes in.

We provide both the drone and the software, so users don’t have to look for different vendors. Our subscription-based model and cloud-based software make it more affordable for consultants, who don’t have to pay for the whole software or maintain a large infrastructure.

The journey has had its challenges and opportunities. The main challenge was the high cost and lack of complete solutions in the market. However, this was also an opportunity for us to create an affordable, all-in-one solution.

Our dedication to developing advanced technology and providing a complete solution has allowed us to make a significant impact in the aerospace and drone manufacturing industry.

Innovation is crucial in aerospace and drone technology. How does Surveyaan stay ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements and product development?

Shubham Baranwal: Innovation and continuous research and development are crucial for any technical company to grow, and this has been our primary focus since the beginning. To stay ahead of the curve, we prioritize in-house development and customization.

We minimize the use of external ready-made modules, write our own customized firmware, and have built our Ground Control Software from scratch. Additionally, we developed our photogrammetry software entirely in-house.

This approach, while sometimes slower, ensures that we maintain full control over our technology and can innovate more effectively. We take pride in having over 200 clients, both national and international, who use our Surveyaan Ecosystem. This success is a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation and the quality of our products.

What are the primary applications of Surveyaan’s drones, and how do they benefit industries or sectors using your technology?

Shubham Baranwal: Our certified model, Surveyaan V1, is versatile and used primarily for surveying, though its applications extend beyond that. Initially, we targeted mining consultants, but we have since expanded into various sectors such as road, canal, and railway track surveys.

In agriculture, our drone is used for crop monitoring, plot management, and crop counting. Some consultants use it for monument and building surveys, creating stunning 3D models.

Additionally, Surveyaan V1 is utilized for solar ground mount surveys. Many consultants use it for Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) surveys and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) surveys, as well as for shooting videos.

The versatility and efficiency of our drone provide significant benefits across these industries by improving accuracy, saving time, and reducing costs.

Collaboration and partnerships often drive growth in the aerospace sector. Can you discuss some key partnerships or collaborations that have been instrumental in Surveyaan’s success?

Shubham Baranwal: Collaboration and partnerships have been essential to Surveyaan’s growth. We also work closely with government bodies and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and stay updated on regulations and incentives. This helps us navigate the complex regulatory landscape effectively.

Additionally, we’ve built strong relationships with component suppliers and software developers to integrate top-notch technologies into our products.

Collaborating with survey and consulting firms has enabled us to understand and address practical challenges across various sectors, including mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and real estate.

Quality assurance and regulatory compliance are essential in aerospace manufacturing. How does Surveyaan ensure the quality and safety of its drones, particularly in adherence to industry standards?

Shubham Baranwal: In July 2021, the Government of India introduced drone laws to regulate the use of drones, marking a significant step toward making India a drone hub. These laws established rules and regulations to ensure industry standards and safety procedures are followed, guaranteeing that drones operate safely, adhere to standard methodologies, and maintain consistent quality.

At Surveyaan, quality is our top priority. In the drone industry, this is especially critical because a single malfunction can lead to significant losses.

We have developed a comprehensive quality management system that outlines the structure, processes, and policies to ensure our entire team understands the importance of quality and how to achieve it. This system helps us develop, manufacture, and deliver the highest quality products and services to our customers.

We have committed to dedicating at least 10% of our workforce to quality assurance, conducting regular audits and reviews to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards. Our QA team also continuously seeks feedback from customers to improve and enhance our products.

Additionally, we use ERP software to manage everything digitally, ensuring streamlined and efficient processes.

The aerospace industry is rapidly evolving. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of drone technology, and how is Surveyaan preparing to capitalize on these trends?

Shubham Baranwal: Drone technology is still in its early stages in India, but it is growing rapidly. There are over 150 drone startups, and more are emerging. The key trend is the need for high-quality drones from India that can compete internationally.

While the Government of India has set rules to streamline the process, manufacturers must focus on innovation to meet diverse industry needs.

Different sectors require different types of drones. For instance, swarm drones are needed for marketing and advertising, while delivery drones are being developed, although a robust infrastructure is necessary to make drone deliveries a reality.

Currently, about 70% of drone companies in India are manufacturing agricultural drones, thanks to government subsidies.

Surveyaan is at the forefront of innovation. We started with the survey sector and are focused on developing high-quality, survey-grade drones with advanced features and improved camera capabilities.

Recently, we developed a precise positioning Differential GNSS device named SurveyPod, which provides accurate coordinates. We plan to integrate this device into our drones to achieve millimeter-level accuracy.

By continuing to innovate and improve our products, Surveyaan is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and meet the evolving demands of the drone industry.

In conclusion, Mr. Shubham Baranwal’s insights into the evolving tech landscape and his role at Nibrus Technologies offer a glimpse into the future of technology innovation. His dedication to excellence and strategic vision continue to propel the company forward, setting a high bar for the industry.

We appreciate his time and look forward to seeing how Nibrus Technologies will shape the tech world in the coming years.

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