HPCL Partners with Maraal Aerospace for Clean-Energy UAVs at IEW 2026

New Delhi, January 30, 2026:
Maharatna PSU Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with IIT Kanpur–incubated deep-tech startup Maraal Aerospace to support India’s next-generation clean-energy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. The collaboration was formalised during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa.

As part of the partnership, HPCL has executed a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA) with Maraal Aerospace under its startup support initiative ‘HP Udgam’. HPCL will invest ₹2 crore in the startup to accelerate product development, testing, and system validation, enabling faster commercialisation and scale-up.

Maraal Aerospace is developing India’s first solar-powered long-endurance drone, designed for clean-energy propulsion. The platform integrates high-efficiency aerodynamics with solar-assisted electric propulsion, offering up to 12 hours of endurance, a 150 km one-way range, and a service ceiling of up to 6 km above mean sea level, while maintaining low operating costs and reduced logistical dependence.

The UAV platform is expected to play a critical role in defence and strategic civilian applications, including border and maritime surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, infrastructure inspection, and disaster management operations.

Looking ahead, Maraal Aerospace’s product roadmap includes a solar-hydrogen hybrid variant targeting 24-hour endurance, as well as a future High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platform capable of missions exceeding 90 days.

Through this partnership, HPCL continues to strengthen India’s indigenous innovation ecosystem, reinforcing its commitment to clean-energy technologies and deep-tech startups aligned with national strategic priorities.