Launch Overview
On Monday, 17 August 2026, Hyderabad‑based women‑led DeepTech and defence technology startup AkinAnalytics introduced its indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone. The unveiling was performed in New Delhi by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also observed a live demonstration of the platform.
Drone Specifications
The NIKA2 is a multi‑payload agricultural drone equipped with a 16‑litre spraying payload and a 12‑litre spreading payload. It features an easy payload‑change mechanism that allows operators to switch between spraying and spreading functions, enabling a single unit to perform multiple agricultural tasks. Additional technical capabilities include terrain‑following technology for uneven or sloping fields, built‑in fail‑safe systems, and night‑operation capability.
Application Spectrum
Beyond conventional crop spraying, the drone is designed for aquaculture feed distribution and is suitable for plantation regions such as the tea‑growing areas of Shillong and Meghalaya, where terrain challenges limit conventional aerial operations. The platform’s versatility also extends to mining, energy, infrastructure, and defence sectors, positioning it as a broad‑based field‑intensive solution.
Supporting Ecosystem
AkinAnalytics operates a DGCA‑authorised pilot training organisation in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, linking indigenous drone hardware with skilled workforce development. The company’s innovation pipeline has been supported by several government and institutional programmes, notably NIDHI PRAYAS, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and MeitY SAMRIDH. It has also participated in the iDEX defence innovation ecosystem and the Stanford Seed Spark programme, gaining exposure to both Indian and global entrepreneurship networks.
Leadership and Vision
The firm is led by Founder and CEO Janaki Pulaparthi, a Computer Science Engineer and ISB alumna, who emphasises solving real‑world problems with technology designed and developed in India. Pulaparthi stated that the NIKA2 aims to make drone technology more versatile for farmers while building capabilities that can serve multiple industries and geographies.
Recognition and Strategic Outlook
AkinAnalytics has been recognised in Forbes 40 Under 40 India Leaders (2025) and continues to pursue its “Make in India, Go Global” vision—validating indigenous solutions in complex real‑world conditions before scaling them to international markets.