Pune MCCIA Launches Drone Innovation Hub For MSMEs
Pune is set to emerge as a focal point for India’s evolving drone and food technology sectors, with the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) announcing plans for two integrated Common Facility Centres (CFCs) aimed at micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative is expected to strengthen local manufacturing, enhance regulatory compliance, and lower barriers to innovation for small-scale entrepreneurs.
The drone-focused CFC, estimated at Rs 10 crore, will be situated at MCCIA’s Bhosari facility within the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zone. The centre will offer shared access to high-cost infrastructure including simulation software, design and prototyping tools, and component testing equipment. By consolidating resources, the facility aims to reduce individual expenditure for MSMEs, particularly those engaged in civilian and defence drone manufacturing. Industry experts suggest that such clusters can accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, while also fostering collaboration between startups and larger defence and aerospace firms.
Pune’s strategic advantage lies in its established industrial, IT, and research ecosystem. Planners anticipate that the drone hub will also address skill gaps in areas like avionics, autonomous systems, and component design. Services will include computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, simulation and analysis, reverse engineering, and targeted skill development programmes. The project will operate under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure, ensuring representation from at least ten member units, half of which will be micro-enterprises. Parallelly, MCCIA is establishing a Food Technology Cluster aimed at modernising Pune’s food processing sector. The CFC will provide pilot-scale product development, quality testing, certification guidance, and training on regulatory standards, including export compliance. The initiative is expected to help small food businesses, including home-based operations, extend product shelf life, meet safety benchmarks, and access modern processing technology without the need for heavy capital investment. This cluster is projected to be operational by March 2027.
Both centres reflect broader urban economic and sustainability imperatives. By supporting MSMEs with shared, high-tech infrastructure, Pune is positioning itself as a resilient and inclusive hub for innovation. Analysts note that access to these facilities could enable small enterprises to compete globally, adopt greener manufacturing processes, and contribute to a diversified local economy. The twin initiatives also align with India’s push for self-reliant industrial clusters, demonstrating a practical pathway for cities to integrate technology-driven growth with inclusive urban development. In the coming months, approvals from local and central authorities will define the operational timelines for both CFCs, shaping Pune’s trajectory as a centre for high-tech MSME clusters.
