Startup Stars: How AVPL is striving to shape future of agritech

Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series – START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.

In this interaction with Adgully, Preet Sandhuu, Founder and Managing Director, AVPL International, speaks about how her company is bridging the gap between technology and rural communities, and empowering youth with transformative skills to lead sustainable change. She also speaks about her venture’s vision to position India as a global leader in Agritech by fostering innovation, collaboration, and community-driven progress.

Could you elaborate on the vision and mission of AVPL International? How is the company empowering rural youth and transforming lives through technology?

AVPL International (AITMC Ventures or Aerial Innovative Technology for Mapping and Conservation) aims to make India a world leader in drone technology and to shape the future of agriculture and rural empowerment. Our mission is to bridge the gap between technology and rural communities, ensuring that every individual has access to tools, knowledge, and opportunities that can genuinely transform their lives. Looking upon the dependency of major rural communities on agriculture, we believe empowering rural youth with skills like drone operations, IoT applications, and modern agricultural practices will help build a self-sustaining ecosystem.

We believe that technology is the great equalizer, and through strategic collaborations and skill-building initiatives, we’re enabling rural youth to unlock their potential, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and lead impactful lives.

What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced while establishing AVPL International? How did you overcome them to achieve success in such a niche yet impactful sector?

The journey to establish AVPL International was filled with challenges, particularly in changing long-held perceptions. Convincing rural communities and stakeholders about the tangible benefits of adopting technology was a significant hurdle. This is one of the reasons we target rural youth as the previous generations are stuck with traditional ways that are not so effective to take part in the country’s economic race. Youth being well informed about the current scenarios seems more ready to experiment technology for the best use and set examples to encourage others, hence building trust on technology.

Access to skilled manpower was another challenge as many lacked the expertise needed to implement the solutions we envisioned. To address the same, we invested heavily in training programs and workshops, equipping individuals with the skills necessary for success.

Above all, staying true to our mission and building partnerships with like-minded organizations helped us overcome these barriers. The results we’ve seen are empowered communities, which make every challenge worthwhile.

Could you discuss the challenges related to access to funding and investment for startups in India? How did AVPL navigate this aspect during its growth phase?

Access to funding is a universal challenge for every organisation and AVPL is no different. Being in a niche sector like rural development and Agritech meant we often had to educate investors about the long-term potential and impact of our vision.

We navigated this by focusing on transparency, showcasing measurable outcomes, and aligning our goals with the broader objective of national development. Partnering with institutions like NSDC International (NSDCI), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and IIT Kanpur allowed us to demonstrate credibility and attract investors who shared our passion for sustainable growth. Additionally, we reinvested early profits into expanding operations, which reduced our dependency on external funding during critical growth stages.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who aspire to make an impact in the agritech sector or rural development?

My advice is simple: listen, learn, and lead with empathy. Rural agriculture is a sector that is deeply rooted in people’s lives and to make a meaningful impact, one must first understand the unique challenges faced by these communities and tailor solutions accordingly.

Don’t rush the process as building trust and driving change takes time. Collaborate with promoters at every level, from grassroots organizations to policymakers. And most importantly, stay resilient. The challenges are immense, but the rewards of seeing lives transformed are incomparable.

How do you project the growth of the agricultural technology market in India compared to global markets, and what key trends or drivers are influencing this growth?

The agricultural technology market is at a tipping point, with the Indian Agritech market expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1%, with the global market anticipated to reach $54.17 billion by 2029. Compared to global markets, India’s Agritech sector has a unique advantage due to its vast agricultural base and increasing adoption of digital tools. Key drivers include government initiatives promoting innovation, a growing pool of tech-savvy young farmers, and the emergence of startups focused on practical, localized solutions.

Globally, the trend is toward automation and precision agriculture, and India is aligning with this movement. Over the next decade, I believe India will set benchmarks in areas like drone-assisted farming, AI-based crop management, and blockchain in supply chain transparency, positioning itself as a global leader in Agritech innovation.

Could you share more details about your plans to expand AVPL’s operations globally, particularly in markets like Brazil, Australia, and Spain? What are your strategic goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Our global expansion plans are driven by a vision to replicate the success we’ve seen in India on an international scale. Markets like Brazil, Australia, and Spain share similar agricultural challenges, making them ideal for our solutions. Strategically, we plan to build partnerships with local organizations to understand and adapt to regional needs. By leveraging our expertise and forging collaborations, we aim to create tailored, impactful solutions for these regions.

What does AVPL International’s roadmap for 2025 and beyond look like? Could you provide insights into the company’s upcoming initiatives or plans for the next few years?

Looking ahead, our roadmap is ambitious yet grounded in our mission. By 2025, we aim to train over 100,000 rural youth in advanced agricultural and technological skills. We’re also launching specialized drone service hubs across India, which will act as centers for skill development, innovation, and collaboration.

Globally, our focus is on entering new markets with scalable solutions while continuing to invest in R&D to stay ahead of the curve. Sustainability remains at the core of everything we do, and our long-term goal is to create a self-reliant rural ecosystem where communities thrive through innovation, knowledge, and collaboration.