DRDO will bring semiconductor industry leaders and researchers together at ESTIC-2026 to advance next-generation chips, AI hardware and India’s domestic microelectronics capabilities.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead a session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026), scheduled for October 27–29 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The session will bring together industry leaders, researchers and academics to discuss chip design, semiconductor fabrication, AI system-on-chips and strategic microelectronics applications.
The session will feature a keynote address by the Vice-President and Managing Director of Micron India, with presentations by the chief executives of Bharat Semi and Netrasemi and the Director of IIT Madras. Discussions will cover purpose-built AI chips, intelligence at the silicon edge and microprocessor technologies.
Dr BK Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems), DRDO, stressed the need for a resilient domestic microelectronics ecosystem to support telecommunications, automotive systems, industrial automation, AI hardware and defence platforms. He highlighted its importance for economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and national security, noting the need to protect domestic capabilities against supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and technology export controls.
Dr Anupam Sharma, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Technology Management), DRDO, highlighted the growing role of semiconductors in modern warfare. He said business in the semiconductor-related segment was expected to reach $200 billion by 2035.
Alongside the session, DRDO will showcase indigenous technologies, including advanced communication systems, quantum technology prototypes, high-power pulse laser diodes and portable hybrid energy management systems. The exhibition aims to promote collaboration among industry, academia, start-ups and research institutions.
ESTIC-2026, organised jointly by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, aims to advance the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision through science, technology and innovation.
