Presidency University Launches Aerospace Department with a High-Flying National Drone Competition

It was all about drones, flying machines, and big dreams at Presidency University. The campus officially rolled out a brand-new Department of Aerospace Engineering while simultaneously playing host to a major national student competition-AeroTHON 2026.

Put together alongside the SAEINDIA Aerospace Forum, the two-day event centered around a very modern challenge: building smart flying systems that can handle real-world surveillance and quick-delivery missions. Around 400 talented students packed the grounds, representing 42 shortlisted teams from colleges all across India. They were joined by upwards of 60 industry veterans and technical experts who came to see what the next generation of engineers could build.

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Things kicked off with a formal launch ceremony for the university's brand-new aerospace department. Rema P. Ravindran, General Manager of the Pratt & Whitney India Engineering Center, stepped in as Chief Guest, while Cadence’s SDA Director, Ramesh Adoni Venkat, attended as Guest of Honour. A full lineup of top campus leaders—including Vice Chancellor Dr. S. J. Thiruvengadam, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Sivaperumal S., IQAC Director Dr. Pal Pandian, Dean Dr. Ramesh Sengottuvel, Mechanical Head Dr. Sathish Bopanna, and Makerspace Deputy Director Dr. Divya Rani M. S.—welcomed the crowd. Speakers repeatedly stressed how crucial it is for students to step away from textbooks and get real, hands-on building experience.

Once the speeches wrapped up, the real action started. Teams put their custom-built flying machines through strict safety and design checks. Then came the flight tests, split into manual pilot controls and autonomous, computer-guided trials. Competitors also had to pitch business ideas in a "Tiger's Cage" round judged by an elite panel from heavy hitters like Boeing, Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, MathWorks, and aviation regulators.

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When the dust settled at the closing ceremony, Sarla Aviation's Head of Engineering, Krishna Rajput, and Cadence Senior Sales Manager Manikandan M handed out the trophies. Team Thestral from Mumbai’s Fr. C. Rodrigues Institute of Technology grabbed first place. Pune’s Squadrone finished as first runner-up, and NIT Calicut’s Club AeroUnwired grabbed second runner-up. Additional nods went to teams from PCCOER Pune, KLE Technological University, RGUKT Basar, and Sathyabama Institute for standout innovations and flight performances.

Disclaimer: This article has been published as a part of marketing collaboration between Careers360 and Presidency University Bangalore.