In the dynamic world of Indian drone innovation, it’s rare to come across a founder as young, driven, and mission-oriented as Arth Chowdhary, the 20-year-old co-founder of InsideFPV. What began as a student-led initiative has now evolved into one of India’s most promising drone hardware startups—with big dreams, bold technology, and a deep-rooted purpose to serve the nation.
We caught up with Arth in a candid conversation, where he spoke with a mix of humility and conviction—about his beginnings, the battles (literal and metaphorical), and the bold skyward ambitions that guide InsideFPV.
A Startup Born from Patriotism: The Galwan Impact
For most people, the Galwan Valley clash of 2020 was a heartbreaking moment of national concern. For Arth and his co-founders, Deyvant Bhardwaj and Oshi Kumari, it was a call to action.
“Something changed in us after Galwan,” Arth recalls. “We wanted to contribute to our country—not with words, but with technology.”
What followed was not just a startup, but a movement. From makeshift college labs to developing first-person view (FPV) drones engineered for India’s toughest terrains, InsideFPV was born with a vision: building indigenous tech that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.
Overcoming the Odds: A Young Founder’s Early Struggles
Arth’s journey wasn’t paved with resources or privilege. “We didn’t have access to labs, components, or even the right mentors in the beginning,” he says. “But what we did have was determination.”
Support came from unexpected corners. The BITTBI incubator at BITS Pilani and later ISB Hyderabad provided that early validation every founder dreams of. “When someone believes in your dream, you start believing in it even more,” he says.
Engineering for India: Built to Last, Built to Serve
InsideFPV’s drones aren’t your average quadcopters. These machines are fast, rugged, and smart—with speeds of up to 250 km/h, and built to endure high-impact falls, extreme heat, and water exposure. But speed isn’t the only focus.
“Our drones are designed with fail-safes,” Arth explains. “If something goes wrong—signal loss, weather interference—they come back home. That reliability is critical in defense ops.”
And the results are visible. Today, InsideFPV supports surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the Indian Army, while also building platforms that rural entrepreneurs use for agricultural mapping and pesticide spraying—bridging the gap between frontier tech and grassroots impact.
From the Studio Lights to Startup Spotlight: Media as a Catalyst
InsideFPV’s journey took a national leap when Arth walked into the set of Shark Tank India. “I was nervous—but excited,” he smiles. “That show didn’t just bring us investment. It brought us recognition.”
Soon after, his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati with Amitabh Bachchan added a human dimension to the brand—making it more than just a drone company. It became a story of belief, resilience, and youthful ambition.
“People started messaging us from small towns, saying we inspired them. That’s when we knew—this was bigger than business.”
Beyond Profits: IPO Dreams and a National Mission
Despite the whirlwind journey, Arth remains grounded. When asked about the future, his answer is clear yet audacious:
“By 2030, we want to go public. Not just for InsideFPV—but to show that India can build world-class drone tech, indigenously.”
Profit isn’t the sole goal. For Arth, this is about contributing to a larger narrative—positioning India as a global leader in drone manufacturing, while creating jobs, inspiring innovation, and solving real-world problems.
Advice from the Sky: Words for Young Founders
To those just starting out, Arth has simple but powerful advice:
“Be patient. Entrepreneurship isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. If you stay true to your purpose, the world will take notice. And whatever you build—build it well. Quality speaks louder than pitch decks.”
Conclusion: Wings of Purpose
In an ecosystem still dominated by software startups, Arth Chowdhary is a refreshing reminder of what hardware innovation with heart can look like. InsideFPV isn’t just producing drones—it’s producing impact.
Whether flying above military bases or rural farmlands, InsideFPV’s drones carry more than cameras and payloads—they carry a young founder’s belief that India’s future will be built, quite literally, from the ground up.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Arth smiled and said, “We’re just getting started.” And from everything we’ve seen—he means it.
By Priyanka Chatterjee | Indian Startup Times
