The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) used the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 to present India’s progress in semiconductor technologies intended for defence applications, including chips that support missile guidance and systems used in radar and electronic warfare.
The conclave was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October 2026 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Twelve ministries and departments jointly organised the event under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Nobel laureates, international experts, policymakers and young researchers attended the programme, which focused on deep-tech development and frontier research.
DRDO leads semiconductor-focused session
DRDO was among the principal organisers and led a thematic session titled “Semiconductors & Next-Generation Chips”. The discussion brought together representatives from industry, academia, defence electronics and India’s domestic chip-development ecosystem. It examined the development of specialised semiconductor technologies and the role of locally designed components in future defence systems.
“Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Society” — the theme of ESTIC 2026
The session was chaired by Dr BK Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General, Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS). Dr Das also moderated a panel discussion that included Dr Sheena Rani, Distinguished Scientist and Director General for Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Systems.
Four subjects formed the core of the discussion:
- Emerging semiconductor technologies
- Purpose-built artificial intelligence system-on-chips
- Processing intelligence at the silicon edge, where information is handled on the device itself
- Changes in the global microprocessor landscape
Focus on defence electronics and domestic capability
The exhibition included work from DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi. The laboratory presented achievements in two semiconductor domains at the thematic display. The showcase was linked to the wider effort to develop chips and related technologies in India for defence equipment, including components that guide missiles and support radar and electronic-warfare functions.
DRDO’s role at the conclave also extended beyond laboratory research. The organisation described its work as an enabler for industry and start-ups developing advanced chip-based solutions. The stated emphasis was on accelerating next-generation chip design, strengthening core technologies within the country and connecting research with the domestic development ecosystem.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| ESTIC 2026 | Held from 27 to 29 October 2026 |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi |
| DRDO focus | Semiconductors, next-generation chips and defence electronics |
| Laboratory featured | Solid State Physics Laboratory, Delhi |
The semiconductor discussions placed defence electronics alongside artificial intelligence, edge processing and microprocessor development. For DRDO, the programme provided a platform to present its research capabilities and its engagement with private industry, start-ups and academic institutions. The organisation’s participation underlined the importance attached to domestic chip design and semiconductor research within India’s broader defence technology effort.
