New Delhi, Feb 18: TEXMiN Foundation (Technology Translation Research Park, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India), Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, and Aarav Unmanned Systems Private Limited (Aereo), a leading drone and aerial intelligence solutions provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “TEXMiN – Aereo Aerial Intelligence in Mining Centre of Excellence (TAaIM)”.
The MoU was formalized during the Industry–Institute Interaction 2026 (III–2026) Conclave and Exhibition, organised by Vijnana Bharati jointly with IIT (ISM), Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), and TEXMiN, under the aegis of III–2026 commemorating the Centenary Anniversary of IIT (ISM).
Accelerating Digital Mining Transformation
The collaboration establishes a strategic framework to accelerate the adoption of drone technologies, AI-driven analytics, and digital workflows across mining and infrastructure sectors.
Under this partnership, TEXMiN and Aereo will jointly undertake:
- Technology development and translational research
- Pilot projects and industry-sponsored R&D initiatives
- National and international tenders and consultancy assignments
- Innovation challenges aligned with mining digitalisation and automation
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will function as a state-of-the-art hub for collaborative research, solution validation, live demonstrations, and industry-focused training programmes.
Key focus areas include:
- Drone-enabled mine planning and monitoring
- AI/ML-driven analytics and decision-support systems
- Safety management and environmental compliance solutions
- Development of digital workflows for operational efficiency
Leadership Perspectives
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 this Centre of Excellence with Aereo, we are creating 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 joint development, pilot demonstrations, and active industry participation, we aim to accelerate digital transformation in mining while strengthening India’s indigenous aerial intelligence capabilities.”
Mr. Vipul Singh, Co-founder and CEO of Aereo, stated:
“We are proud to collaborate with TEXMiN and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in establishing this Centre of Excellence dedicated to aerial intelligence in mining and infrastructure. By combining Aereo’s expertise in drone-based data acquisition and analytics with TEXMiN’s deep domain knowledge, we aim to deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and environmental oversight.”
Industry Deployment and Talent Development
The collaboration will also focus on:
- Deployment of jointly developed solutions across partner mines in PSUs and private sector organisations
- Establishment of controlled testbeds for benchmarking and validation
- Joint intellectual property creation and structured commercialisation frameworks
- Continuous Professional Development programmes and executive education modules
- Hackathons, internships, faculty–industry exchange initiatives, and student projects
By fostering real-world validation environments and strengthening academia-industry linkages, the Centre is expected to play a critical role in advancing India’s digital mining ecosystem.
The initiative will further engage mining PSUs, private operators, policymakers, and global partners through workshops, seminars, and outreach programmes to accelerate industry-wide adoption of aerial intelligence technologies.