From Classroom to Chipsets: Botlab at MIT WPU & VLSID 2026

The landscape of Indian deep-tech is shifting, and Pune was the epicentre this January. For Botlab Dynamics, the first week of 2026 was a powerful demonstration of our mission: to not only fly the world's most sophisticated drone swarms but to build the very foundation, the components, software, and talent that make it possible.

Our journey through Pune took us from an electric session at MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU) to the prestigious floor of the VLSID 2026 Conference. Here is how we are bridging the gap between academic curiosity and industrial-grade silicon.

Igniting the Spark at MIT WPU

On Sunday, January 4th, our Head of Business for Botlab Dynamics Store took the stage in a packed hall at MIT WPU. The talk was about the history of drones, drone technology, and drones in the global world. The session provided a comprehensive overview of drones, structured around three core pillars. First, the history of drones was explored, tracing their evolution from early aerial targets to today's sophisticated UAVs, highlighting key technological milestones. Second, the presentation delved into drone technology, examining essential components like propulsion systems, flight controllers, batteries, and sensor payloads, with a focus on advancements in autonomy and navigation. Finally, the discussion covered the diverse and expanding role of drones in the global world, including applications in logistics, inspection, agriculture, search and rescue, filmmaking, and defence. Attention was also paid to the regulatory and ethical considerations of this transformative technology.

The audience Q&A session, where the audience members pushed beyond the basics, asking deep technical questions about hardware-software integration and localised manufacturing. It was clear: the next generation of Indian engineers is ready to build the next big thing in aerial robotics.

VLSID 2026: Where Silicon Meets the Sky

We moved to the 39th International Conference on VLSI Design (VLSID 2026) at the JW Marriott, Pune. Our booth hosted 130+ high-profile delegates, including IEEE Fellows and PhD scholars.

We showcased the BotLab Ecosystem, focusing on:

• Drone Light Show (DLS) Tech: The swarm of hundreds to thousands of drones act as a display with each drone like a pixel, which can not only change colour but also move into pre-designed formation.
• BotLab Store (The Component Marketplace): Hands-on experience with hardware designed for mission-critical tasks, and Centre of Excellence (CoE): Our initiative to help research labs set up state-of-the-art drone testing facilities.
• Vayudh: The defence segment of BotLab Dynamics, winner of IDEX for DLD (Disposable Light Drone) Atri and developer of VayuSim.

The Vayudh Experience – Democracy in Flight

We hosted an interactive flight simulation using an actual ELRS transmitter. By using physical controllers instead of keyboards, we bridged the gap between digital practice and real-world hardware.

Beyond the simulation, the actual components were a big hit with the delegates, fellows, and volunteers. Having the chance to inspect the physical flight controllers and PCBs allowed these industry experts to appreciate the build quality and engineering precision firsthand.

The demo saw incredible diversity: female students showed natural aptitude for complex manoeuvres, while college faculty explored how to integrate digital-twin environments into their curriculum. This proved that the right open-source tools, like ELRS, combined with robust hardware, are what truly empower the next generation.

A Landmark Achievement for Leadership

The highlight of the week was the VLSID 2026 Award Ceremony. We are proud to share that our Managing Director was honoured with the Young Leader Award.

This award recognises the Managing Director’s visionary role in steering Botlab Dynamics through the complexities of deep-tech innovation. This leadership has driven our transition from a research-focused startup to a commercial powerhouse, setting global benchmarks in swarm and drone technology.

Looking Forward

Our week in Pune reaffirmed that India is hungry for locally-made components and that simulation is the gateway to the ecosystem. We thank the organisers of VLSID 2026 and MIT WPU for a week that will fuel our innovation for the rest of the year.