Flynovate is a pioneering startup founded by Akshat Bhatia and Himanshu Panda, which is revolutionizing the solar energy industry with its drone-as-a service offering. Utilizing autonomous drones equipped with advanced computer vision, Flynovate specializes in the inspection of solar panels to detect both visual and internal defects across solar farms. The company operates under a dual business model that includes contractual agreements and a revenue-based approach, with a pricing strategy that competes with traditional manual labour costs and is adjusted based on the size of the solar farm. Flynovate’s mission is to deliver the most comprehensive service in the field, leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to provide solutions that are faster, more accurate, and more efficient than current methods.
1. Contractual Model: They enter into contracts with solar farm operators, where they provide their drone inspection services for a fixed period or number of inspections. The pricing under this model is similar to what the operators would pay for manual labour, making it a cost-effective alternative.
2. Revenue-Based Model: In this model, Flynovate’s compensation is tied to the size of the solar farm and the results of the inspections. Essentially, the larger the solar farm and the more comprehensive the inspection services required, the higher the revenue for Flynovate. This aligns their interests with those of the solar farm operators, as they are incentivized to provide thorough and efficient inspections.
“Flynovate” has been honoured with an esteemed ‘scale-up’ grant amounting to Rs. 40 Lakhs, bestowed by the Meity Startup Hub, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The founders, Akshat and Himanshu, initially embarked on a venture with drone technology for cleaning solar panels. Their remarkable flexibility and foresight have been evident throughout their journey. Cultivated within the nurturing environment of Venture Lab at Thapar, their path is a testament to the culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) is committed to promoting.
Since its inception two years ago, Flynovate has distinguished itself as a formidable entity within the drone industry. The company has consistently demonstrated innovation and excellence, culminating in a commendable track record. Building on this success, Flynovate is now poised to expand its expertise and apply its innovative approach to the electric vehicle sector, with the aim of driving transformative advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
Flynovate has transitioned into the electric vehicle domain, focusing on the production of robust, solar-powered electric trucks designed for uninterrupted delivery services spanning the entire stretch from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The company is at the forefront of developing a solar truck that minimizes reliance on the charging infrastructure, thereby ensuring that deliveries are as timely as those made by conventional vehicles, but with the added benefit of eliminating downtime and stoppages.