By BullScreen Editorial Team 
India’s leading UAV manufacturer ideaForge Technology Limited has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Tokyo-based Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP) to co-develop next-generation AI drones and expand into Japan’s growing defense and industrial markets.
The agreement, announced on April 28, 2026, will see ideaForge integrate DMP’s Di1 edge AI system-on-chip into its VTOL drone platforms. DMP will also act as the go-to-market partner in Japan, managing distribution, customer engagement, training, and after-sales services.
At the core of the collaboration is DMP’s Di1 chip, which features a low-power neural processing unit designed for real-time AI inference. The chip supports multi-camera inputs, enabling 360-degree vision, critical for applications such as defense surveillance, border security, and industrial inspection. Combined with ideaForge’s rugged UAV platforms, the companies aim to deliver high-performance solutions for complex environments.
The partnership comes amid rapid growth in the global drone market, projected to expand from $54.9 billion in 2024 to $117.6 billion by 2030. Japan alone is expected to grow from $2.0 billion in 2025 to $5.1 billion by 2034, making it a key strategic market.
ideaForge, ranked third globally in the dual-use drone category, has logged over 950,000 flights, with one of its drones taking off every three minutes. The collaboration also aligns with its broader international expansion strategy, following its earlier entry into the U.S. market.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership | ideaForge Technology Limited signed MoU with Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP) |
| Announcement Date | April 28, 2026 |
| Objective | Co-develop next-generation AI drones and expand into Japan |
| Core Technology | Integration of DMP’s Di1 edge AI system-on-chip (SoC) into UAV platforms |
| Key Features of Di1 | Low-power AI inference, FP4 neural processing unit, 4-channel camera support (360° vision) |
| Drone Platform | ideaForge’s VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs |
| Target Applications | Defense surveillance, border security, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture |
| Japan Market Role | DMP to handle distribution, demos, training, and after-sales support |
| Market Opportunity (Global) | Drone market to grow from $54.9B (2024) to $117.6B (2030) |
| Japan Market Growth | From $2.0B (2025) to $5.1B (2034) |
| Company Ranking | ideaForge ranked #3 globally in dual-use drone manufacturers (DRONEII 2024) |
| Operational Scale | Over 950,000 flights completed; one drone takes off every 3 minutes |
| Strategic Impact | Strengthens position in edge AI, expands global footprint, boosts presence in defense technology |