The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead a thematic session on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Gen Chips’ at the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026), scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 27 to 29, 2026.
The conclave is being jointly organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The initiative aims to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and strengthen Aatmanirbharta through science, technology and innovation.
The DRDO-led session will bring together industry leaders, academics, representatives of the indigenous chip development ecosystem and defence electronics experts. It will feature a keynote address by the Vice-President and Managing Director of Micron India, followed by talks by the chief executives of Bharat Semi and Netrasemi, and the Director of IIT Madras.
The discussions will cover developments in semiconductor technologies, purpose-built artificial intelligence (AI) system-on-chips, intelligence at the silicon edge and the evolving microprocessor landscape.
The session will also explore semiconductor fabrication, chip design, AI computing, indigenous semiconductor platforms, research and development, and strategic and defence applications. It is expected to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia and strategic stakeholders, identify emerging technological opportunities and support the development of a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, with a focus on indigenous capabilities for critical and next-generation applications.
DRDO to Showcase Indigenous Technologies
DRDO’s outreach stall at ESTIC 2026 will showcase the ministry’s key initiatives, achievements, research programmes and contributions to science, technology and innovation.
The exhibits will feature a range of indigenous technologies developed by DRDO laboratories, including advanced communication systems, quantum technology prototypes, extreme-cold-weather clothing, the PRABALA female full-body protector, passive and powered exoskeletons, portable hybrid energy management systems, high-power pulse laser diodes and scramjet engine technology.
The exhibits will highlight DRDO’s efforts to strengthen indigenous research and development, promote technological self-reliance and address critical requirements in defence and other strategic sectors. The stall will also provide a platform to foster collaboration among academia, industry, start-ups and research institutions, while raising public awareness of DRDO’s contribution to India’s scientific and technological capabilities.
DRDO Officials Highlight Strategic Importance of Semiconductors
Speaking at a curtain-raiser event organised by DRDO in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on October 13, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) Dr BK Das underscored the importance of semiconductors and next-generation chips for economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and national security.
He stressed that building a resilient, end-to-end microelectronics ecosystem was essential to powering telecommunications, automotive systems, industrial automation, AI hardware and strategic defence platforms as India progresses towards Viksit Bharat.
Das said strengthening domestic capabilities was critical to protecting the Indian economy from global supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical volatility and international technology export controls. He also highlighted India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse, advancing strategic autonomy and high-value exports across the microelectronics value chain.
Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Technology Management) Dr Anupam Sharma highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in modern warfare, noting that these technologies are integral to virtually every aspect of military operations.
Sharma added that business in the semiconductor-related segment is expected to reach $200 billion by 2035.
The event was attended by the Director of the Directorate of Extramural Research & Intellectual Property Rights, the Director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory, the Director of the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, and the Centre Head of the Combat Aircraft Systems Development & Integration Centre, among others.
