HPCL Invests in Maraal Aerospace for Clean-Energy UAV Development

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has executed a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement with Maraal Aerospace, a deep-tech startup incubated by IIT Kanpur. The agreement was signed at the India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 event in Goa on January 29, 2026.

Under this agreement, HPCL is investing Rs. 2 crores in Maraal Aerospace through its Startup Support Initiative ‘HP Udgam’. The investment is intended to accelerate product development, testing, and system validation for Maraal Aerospace’s solar-powered long-endurance drone. The drone features high-efficiency aerodynamics combined with solar-assisted electric propulsion, offering up to 12 hours of endurance, a 150 km one-way range, and a service ceiling of up to 6 km above Mean Sea Level.

Maraal Aerospace is focused on developing clean-energy propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company is working on a solar-powered drone with low operating costs and reduced logistical dependence. Future plans include a Solar + Hydrogen hybrid variant targeting 24-hour endurance and a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite platform capable of missions exceeding 90 days.

HPCL is committed to supporting India’s indigenous innovation ecosystem, particularly in clean-energy and deep-tech startups. The company is actively investing in technologies that align with its strategic focus on sustainable energy solutions.