New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) led a thematic session on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips’ and showcased a range of indigenous defence technologies at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi.
The three-day conclave was held at Bharat Mandapam from October 27 to 29, 2026, under the theme ‘Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, which was jointly organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
ESTIC 2026 brought together Nobel Laureates, international experts, policymakers, researchers and emerging leaders to discuss cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs and India’s scientific and technological progress.
DRDO Leads Thematic Session on Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips
As one of the key organisers of ESTIC 2026, DRDO led the thematic session on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips’. The session was chaired by Dr BK Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), DRDO.
The session brought together prominent representatives from industry, academia, the indigenous chip-development ecosystem and the defence electronics sector.
A panel discussion moderated by Dr BK Das was also organised as part of the session. Dr Sheena Rani, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Systems, DRDO, was among the panellists.
The discussions focused on several emerging areas, including:
- Advancements in semiconductor technologies.
- Purpose-built Artificial Intelligence (AI) System-on-Chips (SoCs).
- Intelligence at the silicon edge.
- Developments in the microprocessor landscape.
- Opportunities to accelerate next-generation chip design.
- Strengthening indigenous core technologies.
The session also highlighted DRDO’s growing role in supporting industries and start-ups in developing innovative solutions and advancing India’s semiconductor capabilities.
Read also: DRDO’s Indigenous AIP System for Indian Navy Submarines Achieves Key Milestone
DRDO Showcases Indigenous Technologies at ESTIC 2026
The DRDO Outreach Stall showcased the organisation’s key initiatives, achievements, research programmes and contributions to science, technology and innovation under the Ministry of Defence.
The stall featured a diverse range of indigenous technologies developed by DRDO laboratories, including:
- Advanced communication systems.
- Quantum technology prototypes.
- Extreme-cold-weather clothing.
- PRABALA female full-body protector.
- Passive and powered exoskeletons.
- Portable hybrid energy management systems.
- High-power pulse laser diodes.
- Scramjet engine technology.
DRDO also participated in the thematic and departmental exhibitions organised during the conclave, presenting its research and development capabilities across several advanced technology domains.
DRDO Highlights MMIC and IRFPA Semiconductor Technologies
At the thematic exhibition on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips’, DRDO showcased its achievements in two important semiconductor technology areas: Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPAs).
Both technologies have been developed by DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi, and are important for advanced defence applications.
The exhibition featured Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)- and Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based MMICs, along with Multi-Chip Modules (MCMs). These technologies have been used in several strategic missions and serve as essential building blocks for advanced radar systems and Electronic Warfare (EW) applications.
The IRFPAs displayed at the exhibition function as sensing elements, or the ‘eyes’, of tactical missiles. They enable target detection and tracking during the terminal phase through Imaging Infrared (IIR) seekers.
The exhibits covered a wide range of infrared technologies, including:
- Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR).
- Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR).
- Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR).
These technologies demonstrate DRDO’s indigenous capabilities in developing advanced semiconductor-based sensing systems for defence applications.
Scramjet Engines, Quantum Technologies and Neuromorphic Accelerators on Display
Apart from semiconductor technologies, DRDO showcased several other advanced research and development achievements at ESTIC 2026.
Notable exhibits included scramjet engine technology and neuromorphic accelerators, highlighting progress in complex and emerging technological fields.
The exhibition also featured:
- Advanced communication systems.
- Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs).
- Protective equipment and exoskeletons.
- Portable hybrid energy management systems.
- Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
- Laser proximity sensors.
The exhibits highlighted the range of indigenous technologies being developed by DRDO laboratories for strategic and defence applications.
Semiconductor Self-Reliance Key to Viksit Bharat 2047
Semiconductor technology is considered a critical enabler of national sovereignty, economic strength and digital security. It plays an important role in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India’s indigenous technological capabilities.
Semiconductor chips are essential to a wide range of modern technologies, from communication devices and advanced sensing systems to sophisticated defence platforms. Their capabilities directly influence the performance, efficiency and reliability of these systems.
Achieving technological self-reliance in semiconductors requires capabilities across the entire value chain, including chip design, fabrication, testing, industrial-scale production and resilient supply chains.
India aims to emerge as a globally competitive and technologically self-reliant semiconductor powerhouse by 2047, with leadership in selected next-generation chip technologies. The vision includes building a sustainable semiconductor ecosystem, creating high-value employment opportunities and delivering wider societal benefits.
DRDO and India’s Strategic Semiconductor Research Ecosystem
Over the years, India’s strategic defence laboratories and specialised semiconductor foundries have developed capabilities in several critical technology areas.
These institutions include:
- Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL): Based in Delhi, it has developed technologies such as MMICs and IRFPAs showcased at ESTIC 2026.
- Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre (GAETEC): Contributes to India’s specialised semiconductor technology capabilities.
- Semiconductor Technology and Applied Research Centre (STARC): Supports specialised semiconductor technology development and research.
- Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL): Contributes to India’s semiconductor research and mature silicon process technologies.
Together, these institutions have developed specialised competencies in Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Gallium Nitride (GaN), Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and mature silicon process technologies.
DRDO’s participation at ESTIC 2026 highlighted the importance of indigenous semiconductor research, advanced chip development and collaboration among defence laboratories, industries, start-ups and academic institutions in strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.
Read also: DRDO IRDE Telescope Project: Key Features, Specifications And Mission Explained
