By Jesslyn Keith Valite

A five-day International Training Workshop on Drone Technology and Applications began on November 25, at the MMSU National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC). The workshop, which runs until November 29, is organized by the MMSU Office of Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships (ILP) in collaboration with DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Ltd. This workshop aims to equip participants with the proper techniques and knowledge to effectively utilize drone technology across various applications.

Participants in the workshop include faculty and staff from MMSU, and representatives from several universities across the Philippines, including Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Cagayan State University (CSU), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), along with individuals from the local government unit of Batac and Sta. Rosa in Nueva Ecija.  

MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe Franco, represented by Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, emphasized  that the workshop "provides participants with a valuable platform to master drone technology, empowering them to lead innovations in various industries." The workshop was also attended by Director for Internalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Mee Jay Domingo and Chief for International Programs Arlene Gonzales.

DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Ltd., founded in 2017, is a deep-tech data science company based in India that specializes in innovation in defense, space, drones, and IT. One of their partners, DroneEntry in Thailand, is also supported by DroneAcharya. Chief Technology Officer Amit Takte explained, “The workshop introduces a wide range of drone applications, such as delivery services, farming, inspections, filming, and even rescue operations.” Takte was joined by International Business Head Ms. Marcia Chen and Vice President of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & LiDAR, Anand Jadhav, who is also one of the discussants.

Throughout the workshop, participants will gain hands-on experience and insights into various topics, including photogrammetry, remote sensing, drone safety protocols, applications of drone multispectral processing, geographic information system and LiDAR technology. They will also explore various drone applications across different sectors, and experience flying drones and using simulations.

In November 2023, MMSU and DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on establishing a drone school, a drone center of excellence, and GIS-related courses. The university will continue to serve as a key training site and workstation for future drone-related workshops, further strengthening its commitment to advancing drone technology education in the region.