Five-day AI-powered drone technology bootcamp begins at UoL’s Kargil campus

KARGIL: A five-day bootcamp on AI-powered drone technology began at the Kargil Campus of the University of Ladakh, bringing students and young professionals into a training programme focused on emerging technology and its applications in areas including research, agriculture and environmental monitoring.

Organised by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), J&K, in collaboration with the University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, and the University of Kashmir, North Campus, the bootcamp is being held from October 5 to 9, 2026.

The inaugural session began with a traditional Khatak ceremony and presentation of mementos to dignitaries and resource persons, followed by the National Anthem.

Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, welcomed and facilitated the dignitaries and resource persons with traditional Khataks and mementos as a gesture of respect.

Dr Mehboob Ali, In-charge Administration, Kargil Campus, also felicitated Prof. Kushwaha with a traditional Khatak and memento.

In his welcome address, Dr Ali welcomed the dignitaries, resource persons and participants and extended greetings to the guests attending the programme.

Dr Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, Director, North Campus, University of Kashmir, addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of emerging technologies and skill development for students and young professionals.

Dr Fayaz Ahmad Fayaz, Joint Director (Scientist E), NIELIT Srinagar, and Chief Investigator of the project, outlined the objectives of the bootcamp and spoke about the potential of AI-enabled drone technology in research, agriculture, environmental monitoring and other developmental applications.

Prof Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour and emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in higher education.

The five-day programme is aimed at providing participants with exposure to AI-powered drone technology while bringing together institutions from Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir for capacity-building and technological learning.