AMX UAV is a startup incubated by the Innovative Academy of Gadjah Mada University that participated in the startup incubation programme in 2022. AMX UAV began its journey with an innovative idea for an autonomous drone capable of vertical take-off and landing with high stability. Initially, this concept emerged from the experience of AMX UAV’s CEO, Abdul Majid, who observed that there were companies offering aerial mapping services, which at the time was still a new technology requiring highly skilled human resources and facing various terrain and weather challenges. From this experience, the need for more advanced drones and comprehensive solutions began to take shape.
Starting with a small team with backgrounds in electronics and spatial data processing, AMX UAV has grown by collaborating with several professors from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Yogyakarta State University (UNY) to develop more advanced products. This collaboration brings additional strength to research and development of more reliable and user-friendly drone technology.
AMX UAV’s flagship product is an aerial mapping drone named Vertic. Vertic features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, full autonomy, and high wind resistance. Vertic is the first VTOL drone in Indonesia with a quad-rotor tail-sitter design, promising compact size and high efficiency. Thanks to its advantages, Vertic has been widely used by both AMX UAV and other operators/users for national-scale projects. Vertic has been used for mapping nickel mines owned by PT Aneka Tambang in Kolaka, North Sulawesi; land use mapping across the city of Salatiga; BPN mapping in Ponorogo; oil palm plantation mapping in Central Kalimantan; and other major projects. Currently, Vertic has two versions: Vertic Air with a range of 35 km and capable of carrying a camera payload weighing 300 grams, and Vertic XL with a range of 65 km and capable of carrying a camera and radar payload weighing 1,000 grams.
AMX UAV’s drone products not only excel in terms of user-friendly technology and durability across various terrain and weather conditions but also offer comprehensive solutions from drone hardware to data processing and visualisation. The services provided include aerial mapping services and customisable drone system development tailored to client needs. With spatial data-based technology, AMX UAV facilitates business digitalisation through holistic solutions.
The uniqueness of AMX UAV’s products and services lies in its ability to offer all-in-one solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also provide ease of use for clients in operating drone technology and utilising the generated data. Thus, AMX UAV does not merely sell products but also delivers added value through comprehensive services and robust technical support.
Majid stated, ‘Our business model is built on several revenue pillars, including drone product sales, aerial mapping services, and custom system development.’ He added, ‘We focus on a B2B approach through strategic partnerships, enabling us to expand our market reach and increase awareness of our products and services by building strong relationships with business partners.’
As a deeptech startup, AMX UAV faces significant challenges in terms of funding and business development. To address these challenges, they participate in various programmes such as RIIM (Research & Innovation for Indonesia’s Progress) Startup BRIN and Kedaireka, which help fund product and service development and commercialisation. Through participation in these programmes, AMX UAV can access the resources needed to grow and develop. Thanks to the innovative products and business model it offers, AMX UAV received the RIIM Award in the Startup category in 2024. AMX UAV is the only one among 80 BRIN-supported startups participating in the RIIIM Startup programme to receive this award. The award, presented by BRIN and LPDP, recognises AMX UAV’s success in commercialising research outcomes.
Looking ahead, AMX UAV plans to expand partnerships with international partners to enhance marketing and business development. They believe that partnerships and collaboration are key to surviving and thriving amid global economic uncertainty. By leveraging existing resources and remaining adaptive to change, AMX UAV is optimistic about achieving its goals and vision.
With a strong foundation in technology and a commitment to innovation, AMX UAV is ready to continue growing and contributing to the drone and aerial mapping industry. Through ongoing efforts to improve products and services, they aim to become a leader in providing effective and efficient drone-based solutions for various sectors.
Author: Danny
Editor: STP UGM
