HPCL Backs Solar-Powered Drone Startup Maraal Aerospace at IEW 2026

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with Maraal Aerospace, a deep-tech startup incubated at IIT Kanpur, during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 in Goa. The partnership was formalised on January 29, 2026, through a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement (SSSHA).

₹2 Crore Investment Under HP Udgam

As part of its startup support programme ‘HP Udgam’, HPCL will invest ₹2 crore in Maraal Aerospace. The funding will be used to speed up product development, testing, and system validation, helping the startup move faster from design to large-scale deployment.

India’s First Solar-Powered Long-Endurance Drone

Maraal Aerospace is working on India’s first solar-powered long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The drone uses solar-assisted electric propulsion and advanced aerodynamics, offering:

• Up to 12 hours of flight endurance
• 150 km one-way range
• Operating altitude up to 6 km above mean sea level
• Lower operating and logistics costs

Defence and Civilian Applications

The drone is expected to support key applications such as:

• Border and maritime surveillance
• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions
• Infrastructure and asset inspection
• Disaster management and emergency response

Future Roadmap: Solar + Hydrogen Systems

Looking ahead, Maraal Aerospace plans to develop:

• A solar and hydrogen hybrid UAV with 24-hour endurance
• A High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) platform capable of missions lasting over 90 days

Also Read: Adani Power Increases Electricity Export to Bangladesh!

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Share Price Movement

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation share price (NSE: HPCL) was trading at ₹425.95, down ₹6.65 or 1.54%, on January 30 in afternoon trade. The stock opened at ₹431 and moved between a day’s high of ₹435.75 and a low of ₹423.45. The company offers a dividend yield of 2.41%, with a quarterly dividend of ₹2.57 per share. Over the past year, the stock has ranged between a 52-week high of ₹508.45 and a low of ₹287.55, reflecting volatility in energy markets.

Conclusion

With this investment, HPCL strengthens its role in promoting clean-energy and deep-tech innovation in India. The partnership with Maraal Aerospace highlights HPCL’s commitment to supporting indigenous technologies that can boost both national security and critical civilian operations.

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