Shivanshu Dwivedi: "Spain’s tech ecosystem is vibrant, and we see exciting synergy opportunities"

Shivanshu Dwivedi is a pioneering entrepreneur in emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital inclusion in India. He is the Founder and CEO of Predulive Labs, an AI-based drone technology company supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

How did Predulive Labs come about and what was your original motivation for founding the company?
Predulive Labs was born from a college vision — what began as “Pi Drones” evolved into a larger mission to solve real-world challenges using indigenous drone and AI technology. The name Predulive itself reflects our purpose: Pr stands for Primary, Edu for Education, Live for Livelihood, and Labs signifies continuous research and innovation in emerging technologies.

Together, it represents our belief that innovation should not just be futuristic — it must be inclusive, accessible and create positive social impact. Our journey began with a dream to bridge the digital divide in rural India and today, we are building scalable, tech-driven solutions that empower communities and transform sectors.

Which sectors do you consider priority in your growth strategy?
We’re focused on agriculture, infrastructure and public safety. These sectors offer immense potential for AI-driven drone solutions to enhance productivity, ensure compliance and address onground challenges. Simultaneously, we’re expanding our industrial training ecosystem, empowering youth through emerging tech.

What has been the impact of the Didi Drone program on empowering women in the communities where it has been implemented?
Didi Drone is more than training — it’s a mindset shift. We started with what was probably India’s first drone training for ITI girls, supported by HCL Foundation. Many had never touched tech — and within months, some of them got placed at ISRO in March 2022. That proved what’s possible when we invest right. Across India, especially under initiatives like Drone Shakti, Skill India and PM SVANidhi, we’re training Self Help Group (SHG) women. Once they complete the training,

they’re officially eligible to fly and operate drones and proudly known as Drone Didis. They’re not just flying drones — they’re flying above barriers. From conducting agri-surveys to earning a livelihood, they’re becoming tech leaders in their communities. This is real empowerment: women owning tech, owning identity, and creating local impact at scale.

What role does sustainability play in your solutions, especially in the agricultural context?
For us, sustainability isn’t just a checkbox — it’s built into the core of every solution we deploy. In agriculture, our drones help farmers shift from guesswork to precision. Instead of spraying blindly, they spray where it’s needed. Instead of overusing water or pesticides, they conserve it. That means healthier soil, cleaner air and better yields — all with fewer resources.

We’re not just helping farmers grow more — we’re helping them grow smarter. It’s about creating profitable farms without compromising future generations. That’s sustainability in action. And the best part? It’s not just eco-friendly — it’s economically smart too.

After participating in this program, what is your perception of the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Spain?
Spain’s ecosystem is built different — it’s agile, inclusive and deeply collaborative. What stood out to me is how innovation here isn’t just about tech — it’s about purpose, people and planet. There’s a strong culture of co-creation — startups, government, academia, and industry working together, not in silos. The support structure for entrepreneurs is solid and the openness to global collaboration is refreshing.

For me, it wasn’t just about learning — it was about finding alignment. India and Spain can build powerful bridges in innovation, and I’m excited for what comes next.

Have you identified any potential for synergies between Predulive Labs and Spanish entities?
Absolutely. Spain’s tech ecosystem is vibrant, and we see exciting synergy opportunities with key players like CDTI, Airbus, Acciona and innovation hubs like La Nave and the Salamanca Tech Ecosystem.

With CDTI, there’s scope to collaborate on R&D and technology transfer in AI-driven drones. Working alongside Airbus could accelerate development of cutting-edge aerospace and drone tech. Acciona’s focus on sustainable infrastructure aligns perfectly with our agri and infrastructure solutions. Hubs like La Nave and Salamanca offer dynamic platforms for co-innovation, pilot projects and skill development especially the drone training. We’re eager to build partnerships that combine Spanish expertise with our grassroots impact — creating scalable, cross-border solutions that benefit both countries.

VIII edition activity summary