Launched at Electronics Niketan in New Delhi, the programme challenges students to develop smarter autonomous drones powered by the indigenously developed VEGA processor, a RISC-V-based microprocessor designed by C-DAC under MeitY’s Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported chip technologies while building a self-reliant drone ecosystem.
NIDAR 2.0 offers a prize pool of over ₹65 lakh, along with startup incubation support, cloud credits, software assistance and internship opportunities for participating student teams. The competition focuses on advanced drone technologies, including autonomous systems, indigenous avionics and core drone components, with dedicated tracks for drone innovation and component development.
Speaking on the occasion, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said NIDAR 2.0 moves students “from just flying drones to building the drone’s brain,” laying the foundation for a globally competitive, self-reliant drone industry powered by Indian-designed processors.
The inaugural edition of NIDAR, launched in March 2025, attracted 3,448 students from 22 States, four Union Territories and 109 cities, with 24 winning teams sharing prizes worth ₹40 lakh. Building on that success, NIDAR 2.0 aims to further nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and skilled talent to support India’s vision of becoming a global drone hub.