Hello Mumbai Entrepreneur Desk
A day of aviation, aerospace, innovation and hands-on experiences designed to bring young women closer to the future of flight
Mumbai, September 2026: Innovari – Women’s Mentoring, Innovation & Pre-incubation Hub hosted Girls Day in Aviation 2026, bringing together aviation professionals, industry leaders, aerospace and technology experts, educators, entrepreneurs and students for an immersive day focused on discovering opportunities across aviation and aerospace.
The initiative reflected Innovari’s larger vision of connecting young talent with mentorship, industry exposure, innovation and emerging career opportunities. The event was conceptualized by IWPA – International Women Professionals in Aviation and Aerospace, with Usha Mittal Institute of Technology (UMIT), SNDT Women’s University as the Venue Partner. The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) and Dronacharya Tech Hub supported the initiative as Event Sponsors.
The programme brought together a diverse aviation ecosystem, with participation and representation from organisations and institutions including FICCI FLO, IWPA, the Aeronautical Society of India, Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology (TIAT), DronesForHer, and other aviation, aerospace, technology and educational stakeholders.
Innovari Building Industry Connections
A major highlight of the programme was the signing of two MoUs by Innovari — with FICCI FLO and IWPA. The collaborations opened avenues for greater interaction, mentorship, networking and opportunities, strengthening Innovari’s efforts to build meaningful connections between young talent and professional ecosystems.
The event also featured the Nari Shakti Awards, presented to Innovari, The recognition celebrated contributions towards empowering women in aviation and encouraging greater participation of women across the aviation and aerospace sector.
Distinguished guests and jury members were also felicitated by IWPA and Innovari, recognising their participation and contribution to the initiative.
From the Cockpit to Orbit
Girls Day in Aviation 2026 went beyond conventional talks, introducing participants to career pathways across piloting, aerospace, drones, aircraft maintenance, aviation education, cabin crew, entrepreneurship, research and emerging technologies.
One of the most engaging technical showcases came from students of K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Sion, who presented their student-led satellite work through New Leap Laboratories.
The students showcased their ongoing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) pico-satellite project, featuring a transponder and Slow-Scan Television (SSTV), with the satellite expected to be launched in near future.
They also presented their earlier achievement, BeliefSat, a student-built satellite equipped with an amateur-radio transponder. BeliefSat was successfully launched last year and remained operational in orbit for almost three months. The current team is led by Trishali Pathak, with the project being developed as a student-driven aerospace initiative.
The showcase brought the realities of satellite development closer to students and demonstrated how academic learning, mentorship and innovation can translate into real-world aerospace projects.
Experiencing Aviation First-Hand
True to Innovari’s focus on experiential learning, the programme moved from conversations to hands-on experiences.
Participants took part in a Flight Simulator, Drone Assembly and Fun Aviation Activities, allowing them to explore different aspects of aviation technology. The programme also featured a Drone Flying Demonstration, giving participants an opportunity to see drone technology in action.
“My Flight, My Future”
The event also featured “My Flight, My Future,” an individual 10-minute activity designed to encourage participants to imagine themselves as contributors to the future of aviation.
The activity challenged participants through three themes:
Design Your Future Aircraft — imagining and designing an aircraft of the future.
Aviation in 2050 — exploring how aircraft and aviation systems could evolve.
My Role in the Future of Aviation — imagining the role they could play in shaping aviation’s future.
Rather than simply learning about aviation, participants were encouraged to visualise their own place within the sector.
Creating a Stronger Aviation Ecosystem
Through Girls Day in Aviation 2026, Innovari brought together industry, education, technology, mentorship and experiential learning under one platform.
The event created opportunities for students and young aviation enthusiasts to interact with professionals, discover diverse career pathways and experience emerging technologies. It also demonstrated that aviation extends far beyond the cockpit — into aerospace engineering, satellite technology, drones, aircraft maintenance, research, entrepreneurship, innovation and aviation education.
The initiative was powered by the Innovari team and Innovari Igniters, whose efforts supported the planning, outreach, coordination and execution of the programme alongside the event’s partners, sponsors and participating organisations.
Key Highlights
Innovari brought together the aviation and aerospace ecosystem through Girls Day in Aviation 2026.
MoUs signed between Innovari and FICCI FLO, and Innovari and IWPA.
Nari Shakti Awards recognising Innovari.
Student-led satellite development showcase by K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering.
Presentation of BeliefSat and the upcoming LEO pico-satellite project expected to launch in 2027.
Exposure to flight simulation, drone assembly and drone technology.
“My Flight, My Future” creative aviation activity.
Participation and support from aviation, aerospace, technology and educational organisations.
Opportunities for young women to discover new career pathways and professional connections.
Girls Day in Aviation 2026 ultimately reflected Innovari’s larger purpose — creating bridges between young talent and the people, technologies and opportunities shaping the future. By bringing aviation professionals, industry organisations, educators, innovators and students together, Innovari created a platform where curiosity could become exploration, and exploration could become a pathway towards future possibilities.
