Drone radar facilitates agricultural monitoring

 In agriculture, drones distribute seeds or fertilizers with precision, saving both time and money. When combined with sensors and artificial intelligence, they can perform remote sensing, similar to satellites and airplanes, monitor large crops, conduct detailed analyses of soil’s chemical elements, and identify issues such as erosion. One of the most advanced techniques in this field, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), has been enhanced by Radaz, a startup founded in 2017 at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and now based in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.

“It’s an innovative technology with enormous potential to generate a wide variety of products, serving various market segments,” says electrical engineer Hugo Enrique Hernández Figueroa from UNICAMP’s School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FEEC), who led the team responsible for developing a radar mounted on a small drone. To achieve this, the team had to miniaturize the radar’s electronic hardware and antennas. The idea behind SAR, explains the researcher, involves using a moving radar to simulate an antenna significantly larger than the radar’s physical components. As the antenna’s directivity increases with its size, the system’s resolution also improves.

Through its antenna, the radar emits pulsed electromagnetic waves that are reflected by obstacles on the ground. These waves are then detected by the antenna while the radar is in motion, whether on an airplane, satellite, or drone. The movement of the radar along its trajectory creates a large virtual antenna, allowing for high resolutions and precise observations.

The operating principle of SAR is similar to that of interferometry, where the combination of multiple radio antennas simulates a single large antenna corresponding to the path traveled. If the drone moves 100 meters (m) in a straight line, the SAR can simulate a 100-meter aperture antenna; if the trajectory is circular, with a radius of 300 meters, the radar will simulate a spiral-shaped antenna with a 300-meter radius.

Developed in the United States in the 1950s and used in satellites and space probes since the 1960s, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been employed to map the terrain of Venus, which is obscured by clouds made of microscopic drops of sulfuric acid and other aerosols. In the early 2000s, SAR was integrated into large drones for military purposes. With the growing miniaturization of electronic components and the proliferation of drones, it became apparent that SAR systems could be attached to small, civilian devices.

“The challenge was to do it, and nobody was doing it,” says Figueroa. The first recorded instance of SAR on a drone dates back to 2016, from the University of Texas, United States, but this version was handmade and produced low-quality images. The São Paulo-based company took a different approach, developing a system with three spectral bands, including an advanced inertial navigation system (see infographic).

Meet the Technology Pioneers driving innovation in 2025

The World Economic Forum has announced the 100 companies joining its Technology Pioneers Community in 2025.
These companies reflect a global surge in emerging technologies, from smart robotics and spatial AI to scalable quantum solutions.
Read more about the 2025 Technology Pioneers here.

What do Google, Dropbox, PayPal and SoundCloud have in common? Apart from being technology companies that have disrupted industries with products and services millions of people now rely on, they are also all alumni of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers programme.


Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the community helps early-stage start-ups with technologies that can positively shape our future to grow. Since 2000, the initiative has recognized more than 1,200 companies, many of which have gone on to shape industries.


In 2025, the Forum has selected 100 start-ups from 28 countries to join the community.


The cohort reflects wider shifts in the innovation landscape with many of the companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to scale using fewer resources. And it stands out for its concentration of companies working to address global challenges by developing breakthrough technologies, including advanced robotics, spatial AI and more accessible quantum computing applications.

Innovation among the 2025 Technology Pioneers


“There has never been a more exciting time to dive headfirst into tech innovation,” says Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities at the Forum. “But no one gets far alone – you need a community to move your mission forward.”


The following companies offer a glimpse of the innovative solutions among the 2025 cohort, and some of the key areas that they are addressing.

India aims for 100 GW nuclear power by 2047, CEA releases roadmap

The Assam Tribune is now on Whatsapp. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest headlines. New Delhi, Oct 11: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) on Saturday highlighted visionary initiatives for India’s power sector by unveiling the roadmap for the development of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 -- in alignment with its long-term energy and climate objectives. Also Read - Gold rises more than Rs 2,000, silver breaches Rs 1.64 lakh mark CEA, the apex technical organisation under the Ministry of Power, celebrated its 52nd Foundation Day here, in the presence of Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Power Ministry. Agarwal hailed the outstanding contribution of CEA in the coordinated development of the Indian power sector. Also Read - Farmers to earn Rs 84,263 crore from rabi crops after MSP hike for 2026-27 Advertisement He highlighted CEA’s instrumental role in policy formulation, power system planning, and promoting technological innovation to ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply for the nation. Also Read - GST overhaul set to boost economic development in Manipur Agarwal emphasised that as India moves towards achieving its ‘Net-Zero by 2070’ commitment, CEA’s leadership will be crucial in enabling large-scale renewable integration, advancing nuclear capacity, and enhancing grid security and resilience. Also Read - Increase in student suicides linked to mental health issues: GMCH expert Working towards the vision of ensuring reliable 24×7 power supply of adequate quality to all consumers in the country, the CEA has been at the forefront of the evolution of the power sector, with its pivotal role in planning and managing the country's electricity needs. Over the last five decades of its history, the Authority has consistently demonstrated its commitment to ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply to the nation. Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA, recalled the Authority’s journey since its inception in 1973. He highlighted the Authority’s achievements in generation and transmission planning, formulation of technical standards, and modernisation of the electricity grid. Prasad also underscored the growing importance of data-driven decision-making, digitalisation, and innovation in steering India’s power sector towards sustainability and efficiency. As part of the Foundation Day celebration, CEA also released 'Master Plan for Evacuation of Power from Hydroelectric Plants in the Brahmaputra Basin', which outlines the phased transmission infrastructure needed to support the evacuation of approximately 65 GW of hydroelectric capacity, that and will serve as a valuable guide for hydro power developers in planning and phasing their projects.
https://assamtribune.com/business/gold-rises-more-than-rs-2000-silver-breaches-rs-164-lakh-mark-1594186

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Expands Portfolio with Strategic Acquisitions

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited (KMEW) has strengthened its position in the marine and dredging sectors through a series of strategic acquisitions, as revealed in a recent corporate announcement.
Acquisition Details

KMEW has completed the acquisition of shares in three companies, significantly expanding its operational capabilities:Indian Ports Dredging Private Limited (IPDPL): KMEW acquired the remaining 29.99% stake for Rs. 41.53 lakhs, making IPDPL a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Knowledge Infra Ports Private Limited (KIPPL): The company purchased the remaining 25.99% stake for Rs. 34.44 lakhs, transforming KIPPL into a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Kamal Marine & Engineering Works Private Limited (KMEWPL): KMEW acquired a 51% stake for Rs. 121.87 lakhs, making KMEWPL a subsidiary.

The total investment for these acquisitions amounts to Rs. 197.84 lakhs.
Strategic Implications

These acquisitions align with KMEW's core business and are expected to enhance its capabilities in dredging, marine operations, and ship building sectors. The move is likely to strengthen KMEW's market position and potentially lead to operational synergies.
Financial Overview of Acquired Companies
CompanyIncorporation DateBusiness FocusTurnover Range (Last 3 Years)IPDPL March 20, 2017 Dredging, Port Operations Rs. 195.46 lakhs - Rs. 2,728.97 lakhs
KIPPL April 15, 2019 Dredging, Port Operations Rs. 195.46 lakhs - Rs. 542.87 lakhs
KMEWPL September 16, 2013 Ship Building, Repairing Rs. 3.66 lakhs - Rs. 2,034.57 lakhs

Transaction DetailsAll acquisitions were completed on August 6, 2025.
The transactions were conducted on an arm's length basis.
IPDPL and KIPPL acquisitions fall under related party transactions, while KMEWPL does not.
Market Impact

These strategic moves by Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Limited demonstrate the company's commitment to expanding its presence in the marine and dredging industries. The acquisitions are expected to contribute to the company's growth strategy and potentially enhance its service offerings in the sector.

Investors and industry observers will likely be watching closely to see how these acquisitions translate into operational efficiencies and financial performance for KMEW in the coming quarters.