Shore students win Vermont Pitch Challenge with life-saving drone

Yevla's affordable, modular search-and-rescue drone kit impressed judges at the University of Vermont competition.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a search-and-rescue drone in flight, with its sensors and modules illuminated by neon lights against a cyberpunk-inspired digital landscape, conceptually representing the innovative technology developed by student entrepreneurs.A student-built drone with advanced thermal imaging and communication capabilities aims to revolutionize search-and-rescue operations.Asbury Park Today

Two students from Asbury Park, New Jersey - Aarav Upadhyay and Ayden Pinto - won the Vermont Pitch Challenge at the University of Vermont with their business venture Yevla, an affordable and modular search-and-rescue drone kit that provides thermal imaging and two-way communication capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional enterprise systems.

Why it matters

The Vermont Pitch Challenge is a prestigious competition that showcases innovative student-led startups, and Yevla's win highlights the potential for affordable, accessible drone technology to revolutionize search-and-rescue operations and save lives.

The details

Yevla's drone kit is designed to deliver professional-grade capabilities at under half the cost of traditional enterprise systems, making it more accessible for emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams. The drone features thermal imaging and two-way communication features that can aid in locating and communicating with individuals in distress.

  • The Vermont Pitch Challenge took place in April 2026.

The players

Aarav Upadhyay

A student from Asbury Park, New Jersey who co-founded the startup Yevla.

Ayden Pinto

A student from Asbury Park, New Jersey who co-founded the startup Yevla.

Yevla

An affordable, modular search-and-rescue drone kit developed by Aarav Upadhyay and Ayden Pinto.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Yevla team plans to use the prize money from the Vermont Pitch Challenge to further develop and refine their drone technology, with the goal of making it available to emergency responders and search-and-rescue teams across the country.

The takeaway

Yevla's win at the Vermont Pitch Challenge demonstrates the potential for student-led innovation to create affordable, life-saving technologies that can have a real impact on communities in need.