DRDO Launches Conclave on Emerging Science and Technology

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) held a curtain raiser event for the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025) on October 17, 2023, at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. As a principal organiser, DRDO is set to lead a thematic session focused on “Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing,” which is one of eleven thematic sessions planned for the conclave.

During the event, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of DRDO, addressed attendees, emphasizing the crucial role of semiconductors in contemporary technology ecosystems. He noted that these components are fundamental to vital systems across various sectors, including healthcare, communications, transportation, defence, and space exploration.

Dr. Kamat highlighted the increasing importance of semiconductors as global economies pursue enhanced digitalization and automation. He stated, “Semiconductors have become vital to national security, economic progress, and technological sovereignty.” This underscores the strategic significance of semiconductor technology in India’s national agenda.

Reflecting on India’s semiconductor ambitions, Dr. Kamat pointed out that since the inception of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021, the country has made impressive progress from conceptualization to implementation within a span of just four years. He reiterated India’s aspiration to rank among the top three nations in the semiconductor industry by 2036, focusing on areas such as research, innovation, and workforce development.

In terms of technological advancements, Dr. Kamat announced that DRDO has achieved significant milestones by developing indigenous methods for producing 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with a power rating of up to 150W. These developments are expected to bolster India’s capabilities in semiconductor technology.

The ESTIC-2025 will be co-organised by thirteen ministries and departments of the Government of India, under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government. Scheduled to take place from November 3 to 5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the conclave will carry the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment.”

This event aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the science and technology sectors, promoting sustainable innovation and technological progress in alignment with India’s long-term development goals.