Recently, we interacted with Mr. Arjun Naik, Founder & CEO of Scandron – whose innovative unmanned aircraft systems are designed to broaden customers’ horizons, enabling them to see the world in powerful, new ways.
Here are the interview highlights:
Can you tell us about the background and founding story of Scandron?
Ans: Scandron, founded in 2022 by CEO Arjun Naik, Sanjeev Bhandari and Rana Rajvinder Singh, is a pioneering drone technology company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with an additional office in Hyderabad. The company’s mission is to revolutionize various industries by offering cutting-edge drone solutions and services.
Arjun Naik, a tech enthusiast and aviation lover, recognized the immense potential of drones in sectors like infrastructure, Oil & Gas, Cement, Power Generation, Marine Inspection, Chemical & Fertilizer, and Metals industries. This realization led to the establishment of Scandron.
In its early days, Scandron faced challenges typical of startups, including resource constraints and market competition. However, the company’s perseverance, unique strategies, and dedication to innovation allowed it to overcome these obstacles.
With Arjun Naik’s leadership, Scandron has assembled a team of over 30 professionals who share a passion for drone technology. As a bootstrapped business, the company generates revenue through the sale of drones, inspection services, and offering drones as a service (DAAS) to various industries.
To further accelerate its growth, Scandron aims to secure government support, additional funding, and tap into an expanding market of drone buyers. This strategic approach positions the company for significant expansion, increased output, and sustained competitiveness in the drone industry.
What are the key services that Scandron offers to its clients?
Ans: Scandron delivers a comprehensive suite of products and services within the drone industry. Our product lineup features cutting-edge logistics drones, capable of transporting cargo weighing 5 to 80 kilograms across distances of up to 10-50 kilometers. Additionally, we offer specialized agricultural drones optimized for precise spraying applications.
In terms of services, we provide Drone-as-a-Service, offering clients the flexibility to harness drone technology without the burden of ownership. Our core service offerings revolve around inspections, with a particular emphasis on serving the oil and gas sector. We excel in conducting drone-based visual and thermal inspections, including confined space and industrial inspections. Our commitment lies in delivering top-tier quality and precision to meet the needs of our valued clients.
Can you give examples of specific industries or use cases where Scandron’s drone services have been particularly effective?
Ans: Certainly! Scandron’s drone services have excelled in various industries and applications, and here’s a great example: in the oil and gas sector, they provide a unique service called “confined space inspection.” Instead of human inspectors, they use drones to venture into tight spaces within large assets like storage tanks and industrial stacks.
These drones conduct thorough inspections from the inside, pinpointing issues like corrosion or cracks with incredible precision. What’s really impressive is that this approach drastically reduces downtime. In fact, it can save months of operational disruptions that would otherwise be caused by traditional inspection methods.
So, in a nutshell, Scandron’s drone services, especially their confined space inspections, are making a big impact, not only in terms of efficiency and cost savings but also in boosting safety within the oil and gas industry.
What kind of training and certification do Scandron’s drone pilots have?
Ans: Scandron’s drone pilots are all certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is the regulatory authority for civil aviation in India. This certification ensures that our pilots meet the highest standards of training and professionalism in the field of drone operation.
Can Scandron’s drone services be customized to meet specific client needs or preferences?
Ans: Certainly, Scandron’s drone services are highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit the specific requirements and preferences of our clients. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution, we take a client-centered approach. Initially, we engage in a thorough consultation to gain a comprehensive understanding of our client’s unique challenges and objectives. Through collaborative discussions, we work closely with our clients to devise a customized drone solution that precisely aligns with their needs. This client-centric approach ensures that our services are not only efficient but also effective in addressing the specific concerns and goals of each individual client.
How does Scandron differentiate itself from other companies in the same industry?
Ans: Scandron distinguishes itself from its industry peers through a combination of distinctive products and a customer-centric approach. Firstly, we pride ourselves on offering unique products and services that set us apart in the market. Secondly, our commitment to understanding our customers’ specific needs sets us apart. We engage in a thorough dialogue with our clients to comprehend the precise nature of their challenges. Subsequently, we provide tailored solutions designed to address their unique requirements effectively. This customer-focused approach is a key factor that sets Scandron apart in the industry.
What are some future developments or possibilities in the field of drone services that Scandron is keeping an eye on?
Ans: Scandron is closely monitoring future developments in drone services. We’re particularly interested in expanding multisensor inspections, enhancing drone adaptability in tight spaces, and utilizing multi-sensor technology for more efficient and comprehensive inspections.