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Playbook & Handbook · February 6, 2026
Winning Accelerator Playbook 2026 by BambuUP
EDTECH: LEVERAGING AI-POWERED TECHNOLOGIES TO TRANSFORM THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
1. Technology overview
Donecle is a company based in Toulouse, France, founded in 2015. It automates aircraft inspection with drones and image analysis, targeting airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers, military operators, business jets and OEMs.
The Iris GVI product flies a drone around the aircraft using laser-based navigation, without a pilot or GPS, and completes a general visual inspection in under one hour. Images are analysed automatically to produce damage reports, and results are stored in the cloud as a digital aircraft history. Iris CMX extends the approach to coating inspection.
2. Highlighted features & specifications
- Automated image capture: drone flies the inspection route around the aircraft.
- Laser-based navigation: operates without pilot or GPS signal.
- Automated analysis: image analysis generates damage reports.
- Digital aircraft history: inspection data and reports stored in the cloud.
- Iris CMX: coating inspection module, presented with AkzoNobel.
3. Potential application
Post-lightning-strike and hail inspections of narrow-body fleets at Vietnamese airline hangars. Landing gear and engine visual checks at regional MRO facilities. Coating condition surveys during repaint programmes.
4. Benefits
Shortens a full aircraft inspection to under one hour. Makes inspections repeatable, traceable and paperless. Needs no pilot or GPS signal, so it works in hangars. Per the company, the drone solution is approved by aviation authorities and listed in the Boeing and Airbus maintenance manuals.
5. Market trends & opportunities
Airlines and MROs face pressure to shorten ground time and digitise maintenance records, and drone-based visual inspection is entering approved maintenance procedures. Vietnam's growing airline fleets and regional MRO capacity create a potential buyer base.
6. Other information
Founded 2015 in Toulouse, France. Raised EUR 10 million in April 2026 led by IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners, with GSO Innovation and ARIS Occitanie. Reported more than 40 drones in 15 countries and customers including United, LATAM, DHL, Lufthansa and the French and Royal Air Forces.
