Aerial Cluster
IIT Madras
Aerial Cluster (now AeroDome Technologies), founded by three IIT Madras alumni who were previously integral members of Team Avishkar Hyperloop, embarked on an ambitious journey to transform aerial displays. The team set out with a grand vision: to create breathtaking sky shows using LED-equipped drones, aiming to illuminate the sky for a wide range of events, including weddings, corporate functions, government ceremonies, and advertisements. Despite their innovative concept and enthusiasm, they encountered significant challenges navigating the competitive and cluttered market.
At this critical juncture, Aerial Cluster turned to GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program for guidance. Initially, the team had limited their operations to deploying just 20 drones, constrained by product and resource limitations. Under the expert mentorship of the I-NCUBATE Program, they were encouraged to broaden their perspective. The program helped them realize the potential of targeting higher-end wedding markets, where substantial budgets—exceeding 2.5 crore rupees for sound and light alone—presented a lucrative opportunity.
As the team delved into the wedding segment, they conducted numerous interviews and gained valuable insights. They discovered that while weddings could be a promising market, the sector might not be an immediate adopter of their technology. This insight underscored the importance of basing strategic decisions on objective evidence rather than personal assumptions. The mentorship from GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program facilitated a crucial pivot in their strategy.
The program’s support prompted Aerial Cluster to conduct secondary research, which revealed that corporate events could be more viable early adopters of their aerial display technology. Encouraging feedback from corporate event organizers confirmed this new direction and motivated the team to shift their focus accordingly.
Aerial Cluster’s journey through GDC’s I-NCUBATE Program has been marked by a pivotal focus on continuous customer discovery. The program played a crucial role in guiding the team through a persistent process of engaging with potential users and refining their approach based on real-world feedback. This steadfast dedication to understanding their market has significantly enhanced their entrepreneurship skills and provided them with a deeper grasp of how to build a scalable and responsive business.
As Aerial Cluster moves forward, they remain committed to applying these valuable insights to develop a business that not only pushes the boundaries of innovation but also delivers meaningful value to their customers.
