New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead a thematic session on Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026), scheduled to take place 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 national initiative aims to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and strengthen India’s self-reliance through science, technology and innovation.
The DRDO-led session will bring together leaders from industry, academia, indigenous chip development and defence electronics to discuss semiconductor technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) computing, chip design and strategic applications. The event will also highlight India’s efforts to build a resilient domestic semiconductor ecosystem and strengthen indigenous technological capabilities.
DRDO Session to Focus on Semiconductor Technology and AI Chips
The thematic session on Semiconductors and Next-Gen Chips will feature a keynote address by the Vice President and Managing Director of Micron India, followed by presentations from leading representatives of the semiconductor and research sectors.
The scheduled speakers include:
- Vice President and Managing Director, Micron India: To deliver the keynote address.
- CEO, Bharat Semi: To share perspectives on semiconductor technologies and indigenous chip development.
- CEO, Netrasemi: To discuss developments in semiconductor innovation and purpose-built AI system-on-chips.
- Director, IIT Madras: To present insights into semiconductor research and the evolving microprocessor landscape.
The session will cover several critical areas of semiconductor development, including intelligence at the silicon edge, AI computing, chip design and next-generation microprocessors. It is expected to encourage dialogue among industry leaders, researchers and strategic stakeholders on emerging technologies and opportunities for domestic semiconductor development.
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Session to Promote India’s Indigenous Semiconductor Ecosystem
The DRDO-led session aims to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia and strategic organisations to support the development of India’s semiconductor capabilities.
Key areas of discussion will include:
- Semiconductor fabrication: Strengthening domestic capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing.
- Chip design: Advancing indigenous chip design and development.
- AI computing: Exploring purpose-built AI system-on-chips and computing technologies.
- Research and development: Encouraging collaboration between academic institutions, industry and research organisations.
- Strategic and defence applications: Developing semiconductor technologies for critical national security requirements.
- Indigenous semiconductor platforms: Promoting homegrown solutions for next-generation applications.
The discussions are expected to help identify emerging technological opportunities and encourage partnerships that can contribute to a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
DRDO to Showcase Indigenous Defence Technologies at ESTIC 2026
Alongside the thematic session, the DRDO outreach stall at ESTIC 2026 will showcase key initiatives, achievements, research programmes and indigenous technologies developed by its laboratories.
The exhibits will demonstrate India’s progress in defence research, advanced electronics and strategic technologies.
The major technologies scheduled to be showcased include:
- Advanced communication systems: Indigenous technologies supporting advanced communication requirements.
- Quantum technology prototypes: Research and development in emerging quantum technologies.
- Extreme-cold-weather clothing: Specialised clothing designed for personnel operating in extremely cold environments.
- PRABALA female full-body protector: A protective system developed for female personnel.
- Passive and powered exoskeletons: Technologies designed to support physical movement and operational tasks.
- Portable hybrid energy management systems: Solutions for managing energy in portable applications.
- High-power pulse laser diodes: Advanced laser technology for specialised applications.
- Scramjet engine technology: Research related to advanced high-speed propulsion systems.
The outreach stall will highlight DRDO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous research and development, promote technology self-reliance and address critical requirements in defence and other strategic sectors.
It will also provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration among academia, industry, start-ups and research institutions while raising public awareness of India’s scientific and technological progress.
DRDO Leaders Highlight Importance of Semiconductors for National Security
The announcement was highlighted during a curtain-raiser event organised by DRDO in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on October 13, 2026.
Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) Dr BK Das presided over the event and emphasised the importance of semiconductors and next-generation chips for economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and national security.
He said developing an end-to-end and resilient microelectronics ecosystem was essential for India’s technological advancement as the country moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
According to Dr Das, semiconductors are critical to several major sectors, including:
- Telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
- Automotive systems and industrial automation.
- Artificial intelligence hardware and advanced computing.
- Strategic defence platforms and electronic systems.
He also stressed that strengthening domestic semiconductor capabilities was necessary to protect the national economy from global supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainty and international technology export controls.
Dr Das highlighted India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse by advancing strategic autonomy and increasing high-value exports across the microelectronics value chain.
DRDO Official Highlights Semiconductors’ Role in Modern Warfare
Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Technology Management) Dr Anupam Sharma highlighted the growing importance of semiconductors in modern warfare. He noted that semiconductor technologies are integral to virtually every aspect of military operations, making them strategically important for defence preparedness and technological advancement.
Dr Sharma also stated that business in the semiconductor-related segment is expected to reach $200 billion by 2035.
His remarks underlined the growing significance of advanced chips and microelectronics for defence systems, military platforms and emerging technologies.
The event was attended by senior DRDO officials, including the Director of the Directorate of Extramural Research and 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 and Integration Centre.
ESTIC 2026 to Support India’s Science and Technology Goals
ESTIC 2026 is a national initiative intended to bring together stakeholders from science, technology, industry and research to advance India’s innovation ecosystem. DRDO’s participation through the semiconductor session and technology exhibition will highlight the importance of indigenous research, advanced electronics and collaboration in strengthening India’s technological capabilities.
By bringing together semiconductor industry leaders, academic researchers and defence technology experts, the session aims to encourage knowledge-sharing and identify opportunities to develop homegrown technologies for critical and next-generation applications. The initiative aligns with India’s broader objectives of strengthening self-reliance, improving technological resilience and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
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