VECROS, a Bengaluru-based startup, builds AI-powered, GPS-free autonomous drones for defence, construction, and warehouse applications with advanced vision systems.
Drones that see, think, and react like fighter pilots, making split-second decisions on their own, are no longer futuristic. Bengaluru-based VECROS Technologies Pvt Ltd, founded in 2021 by Besta Prem Sai and Rajeshree Deotalu, has made them real.
Besta Prem Sai outlines the company vision, highlighting two core challenges in the drone industry: dependence on GPS and the requirement for skilled pilots to manually operate each drone. Traditional drones rely heavily on GPS for navigation, making them highly susceptible to GPS jamming, an issue that can instantly disable a drone and poses a serious risk in electronic warfare, particularly within defence operations.
The company addresses this vulnerability by removing the need for GPS entirely. Instead, it uses advanced vision systems and AI models that allow drones to interpret their surroundings and determine their location through visual landmarks. By ‘seeing’ and understanding the terrain, the drones can navigate independently of GPS. This capability for GPS-denied navigation is a key differentiator, especially in military environments where GPS interference is an escalating threat.
“The second major challenge lies in the current operational model, which demands one pilot per drone,” Besta explains. “Our goal is to transform this approach by creating a system that enables a single pilot to manage multiple drones, or even allows the drones to operate autonomously using intelligent software.”
VECROS has introduced two flagship products, Athera and Jasper. Athera is described as India’s first AI-powered drone capable of operating without GPS. It has approximately 10 onboard cameras and performs real-time AI processing, enabling autonomous operation while ensuring data privacy. It has a 30-minute flight time and a dual-swappable battery system that allows rapid redeployment within five minutes.
Jasper, a smaller variant built with similar AI capabilities, is designed for confined spaces and is used in situations where compact and agile drones are required. While both products are operational, they are currently available for enterprise use rather than consumer markets.
The core value of VECROS lies in its proprietary software and custom electronics, particularly the onboard GPU-based processing system that allows drones to process AI tasks locally. The technology stack includes a custom-built motherboard (JetCore) designed to handle power and communications efficiently.
VECROS targets three primary industries: warehouse management, construction, and defence. It currently works closely with these sectors to deploy autonomous drones for applications such as 3D scanning, elevation mapping, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions in defence. These use cases benefit significantly from the autonomous and GPS-independent nature of VECROS drones.
The startup designs and manufactures its own drones, including software and electronics development. Most component sourcing is localised within India, especially PCB boards and assembly processes. However, some raw materials and electronic components, such as ICs and resistors, are imported from countries like the US, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia. Its manufacturing and R&D facilities in Bengaluru are equipped with tools such as EMI/EMC testing systems, thrust stands, PCB soldering units, and oscilloscopes. VECROS currently produces approximately ten drones per month and maintains a lean team of 20 employees.
Athera is priced at approximately ₹2 million. Unlike conventional drones that require numerous skilled pilots, VECROS’ AI-driven system reduces manpower needs, cutting both time and operational costs.
The startup claims to be strongly IP-driven, with approximately 15-20 patents filed and 10 granted, covering both design and method patents, as well as trademarks. Employees are encouraged to file patents, contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem. The drones are intuitive to use and require minimal training, with user interfaces resembling gaming consoles. Simulators are provided to help users train before operating the actual systems.
The AI and GPU-based processing onboard reduces flight time from 40 to 30 minutes, but the added capabilities far outweigh this trade-off. The drones are resilient in extreme conditions, such as low light and fog, through the use of IR cameras and inertial measurement units (IMUs). Maintenance and calibration are rarely required, about once every 1000 flights, and the system automatically flags when recalibration is necessary.
Like most startups, VECROS has faced significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Indian VCs often evaluate startups based on revenue, making it difficult for deep-tech ventures with long-term R&D goals to attract capital.
For the future, VECROS plans to focus on developing drones for GPS- and radio-denied environments, which are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare. It aims to expand its team, raise more funding, and establish dedicated test facilities to refine and validate its systems.
The name ‘VECROS’ stands for ‘Vector Robotic Operating System,’ inspired by the physics concept of vectors—quantities that have both magnitude and direction. It reflects the ambition to build intelligent, directional, and purpose-driven robotic systems.
In terms of monetisation, the startup operates mostly in a service-based model for now, offering drone-based solutions such as 3D scanning and terrain modelling. Though it is currently pre-revenue in product sales, it generates about ₹400,000-500,000 per month through services. The startup is funded with ₹40 million in capital, which sustains its operations and R&D efforts.
