The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead a thematic session on Semiconductors and Next-Gen Chips, at the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026). The conclave will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 27 to 29, 2026.
Twelve ministries and departments are jointly organising the event, under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The national initiative aims to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and strengthen Aatmanirbharta through science, technology and innovation.
Who Will Speak
The DRDO session will bring together leaders from industry, academia, India’s indigenous chip-development ecosystem and defence electronics. The VP & MD of Micron India will deliver the keynote. The CEO of Bharat Semi, the CEO of Netrasemi and the Director of IIT Madras will follow with talks. They will cover developments in semiconductor technologies, purpose-built AI system-on chips, intelligence at the silicon edge and the changing microprocessor landscape.
The speakers varied expertise should support a substantive dialogue on semiconductor fabrication, chip design, AI computing, indigenous semiconductor platforms, research and development, and strategic and defence uses. The session is expected to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia and strategic stakeholders. It should also spot emerging technology opportunities and help build a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, with an emphasis on indigenous capabilities for critical and next-generation applications.
DRDO’s Outreach Stall
The outreach stall at ESTIC-2026 will showcase the Ministry’s key initiatives, achievements, research programmes and contributions to science, technology and innovation. It will display indigenous technologies from DRDO laboratories. These include 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 highlight efforts to strengthen indigenous R&D, promote technology development and self-reliance, and meet critical needs in defence and other strategic sectors. The stall will also encourage collaboration among academia, industry, start-ups and research institutions. It will raise public awareness of the Ministry’s role in advancing India’s scientific and technological capabilities.
Curtain-Raiser in Bengaluru
DRDO held a curtain-raiser event in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on October 13, 2026. Dr BK Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems), presided. He said semiconductors and next-gen chips are vital for economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and national security. India needs an end-to-end, resilient microelectronics ecosystem, he said, to power telecommunications, automotive systems, industrial automation, AI hardware and strategic defence platforms on the way to Viksit Bharat.
Dr Das added that stronger domestic capabilities will protect the national economy from global supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical volatility and international technology export controls. He stressed India’s aim to become a global semiconductor powerhouse, with strategic autonomy and high-value exports across the microelectronics value chain.
Dr Anupam Sharma, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Technology Management), noted the critical role of semiconductors in modern warfare. He said these technologies are integral to virtually every aspect of military operations. He added that business in the semiconductor related segment is expected to rise to $200 billion by 2035.
Several senior DRDO figures attended. They included 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.
