Launch · Government, Defense & Space

ideaForge secures ₹151 crore loan for YETI autonomous aerial vehicle project

By Startup Enthusiast · 4 August 2026

What they do

IdeaForge develops autonomous aerial vehicles for logistics and defense, including the YETI drone capable of lifting 200 kg payloads

The company received a Letter of Intent for ₹151 crore in long-term debt financing from the Technology Development Board for the YETI project

The loan is structured with a 4% interest rate and disbursements tied to project milestones and matching non-government funds

ideaForge has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) for ₹151 crore in long-term debt financing from the Technology Development Board (TDB) for its YETI autonomous aerial vehicle project.
The YETI is a heavy-lift, autonomous aerial platform designed to operate in extreme environments, including high-altitude areas, deserts, and marine zones.
The total estimated cost of the YETI project is ₹302 crore, with the TDB covering up to ₹151 crore.
The loan carries a 4% simple interest rate and a 3-year tenure, with disbursements tied to project milestones and matching non-government funds.
The funding is part of the Government of India’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, aimed at supporting private sector-led deep-tech innovation.

The YETI project addresses critical logistics challenges faced by the Indian Armed Forces in high-altitude and extreme environments.
The government’s support through the RDI Scheme reflects confidence in ideaForge’s ability to deliver sovereign capability in defense and logistics.
The loan structure reduces the company’s reliance on equity financing, preserving capital flexibility for development.

The company develops autonomous aerial vehicles for logistics, defense, and industrial applications.
The YETI drone is designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kg and operate in extreme environments, including high-altitude areas and deserts.
The drone can be used for aerial delivery of supplies, infrastructure construction, and emergency response in difficult-to-access regions.

ideaForge will host an earnings call on August 11, 2026, to discuss its Q1FY27 financial results.
The company will need to meet specific technical milestones to receive disbursements under the TDB loan agreement.

Technology Development Board (provided Letter of Intent) — A statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.