India pushes semiconductor self-reliance as DRDO prepares to lead a key session on chip technology at the three-day conclave in New Delhi from October 27 to 29

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 14: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem and indigenous defence technology capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to lead a thematic session on ‘Semiconductors and Next-Gen Chips’ at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026), scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 27 to 29.

The three-day conclave, being jointly organised by 12 ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, aims to promote scientific innovation, technological advancement and self-reliance in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Industry Leaders to Discuss Future of Semiconductor Technology

The DRDO-led session will bring together prominent representatives from industry, academia, indigenous chip development and defence electronics to explore advancements in semiconductor technology and their strategic applications.

The session will feature a keynote address by the Vice President and Managing Director of Micron India, followed by presentations from the CEOs of Bharat Semi and Netrasemi, along with the Director of IIT Madras.

Discussions will focus on semiconductor fabrication, chip design, purpose-built artificial intelligence system-on-chips, edge intelligence, next-generation microprocessors and indigenous semiconductor platforms.

The session is expected to encourage greater collaboration between industry, academic institutions and defence research organisations while identifying new opportunities for developing critical semiconductor technologies within India.

DRDO to Showcase Indigenous Defence Innovations

Apart from leading the semiconductor session, DRDO will showcase a range of indigenous technologies at the Ministry of Defence’s outreach stall during ESTIC-2026.

The exhibition will feature 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.

These exhibits will highlight DRDO’s ongoing research and development efforts across multiple strategic sectors, including advanced electronics, military equipment, energy systems and aerospace technologies.

The outreach stall will also serve as a platform for engagement among defence researchers, industry representatives, startups, academic institutions and the public.

Semiconductors Critical for National Security and Digital Sovereignty

Addressing a curtain-raiser event organised by DRDO in Bengaluru on October 13, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) Dr B.K. Das highlighted the growing strategic importance of semiconductors and next-generation chips.

He stated that developing a resilient, end-to-end domestic microelectronics ecosystem is essential for India’s economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty and national security.

According to Dr Das, semiconductor technologies are central to telecommunications, automotive systems, industrial automation, artificial intelligence hardware and advanced defence platforms.

He emphasised that strengthening indigenous semiconductor capabilities would help protect India’s economy and strategic sectors from global supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and international technology export restrictions.

Dr Das also highlighted India’s ambition to emerge as a global semiconductor powerhouse while expanding its strategic autonomy and high-value exports across the microelectronics sector.

Semiconductor Market Could Reach $200 Billion by 2035

Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Technology Management) Dr Anupam Sharma highlighted the growing importance of semiconductors in modern military operations.

He said semiconductor technologies have become integral to virtually every aspect of modern warfare, from advanced communication systems and surveillance platforms to sophisticated defence electronics.

Dr Sharma also stated that business in the semiconductor-related segment is expected to reach $200 billion by 2035, underlining the sector’s expanding economic and strategic significance.

Focus on Indigenous Chip Development and Strategic Autonomy

The upcoming conclave will place particular emphasis on strengthening India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem through research, innovation and partnerships between industry and academia.

By encouraging collaboration in chip design, fabrication, AI computing and defence electronics, the initiative seeks to support the development of indigenous technologies for critical national requirements.

The discussions are also expected to explore opportunities for developing semiconductor platforms that can support future defence systems, artificial intelligence applications and advanced computing requirements.

Such initiatives form part of India’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported technologies and strengthen domestic capabilities in strategically important sectors.

ESTIC-2026 to Advance Viksit Bharat Vision

ESTIC-2026 will provide a national platform for researchers, scientists, industry leaders, startups and policymakers to exchange ideas and identify opportunities for scientific and technological cooperation.

The participation of DRDO and other institutions is expected to highlight India’s expanding research capabilities and encourage greater investment and collaboration in emerging technologies.

Senior DRDO officials, including representatives from the Directorate of Extramural Research and Intellectual Property Rights, Solid State Physics Laboratory, Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, and Combat Aircraft Systems Development and Integration Centre, attended the curtain-raiser event in Bengaluru.

With semiconductor technologies increasingly shaping modern warfare, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, DRDO’s participation in ESTIC-2026 will highlight India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous chip development, technological self-reliance and national security capabilities.

Source: Ministry of Defence, PIB release dated October 13, 2026.