The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a Curtain Raiser at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, on October 17, 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025). As a leading organiser, DRDO is championing the conclave’s vital session on “Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing”, one of the event’s 11 thematic sessions.
Focus on Semiconductors and National Progress
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) & Chairman DRDO, spotlighted the pivotal importance of semiconductors in supporting advancements across healthcare, communication, transportation, defence, and space.
He stressed that as economies transition towards digitalisation and automation, semiconductors have become essential for national security, economic development, and technological sovereignty.
Dr. Kamat reviewed India’s progress since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021, noting the country’s shift from vision to real-world implementation in just four years. He reaffirmed India’s ambition to become one of the world’s top three semiconductor nations by 2036, especially in research, innovation, and skilled workforce development.
Indigenous Semiconductor Achievements
A highlight of the session was the announcement of key DRDO achievements:
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Indigenous techniques for producing 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers
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Fabrication of Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W
This progress strengthens India’s foundation for independent, advanced electronics and underpins the nation’s goal of semiconductor self-reliance.
ESTIC-2025: National Collaboration for Innovation
The ESTIC-2025 Conclave is jointly organised by 13 Ministries and Government Departments, guided by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. It will be held from 3 to 5 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment”.
The event will convene leaders from across science, industry, and government to chart new paradigms in sustainability, technological progress, and national empowerment in alignment with India’s 2047 vision.
Conclusion
The Curtain Raiser at DRDL Hyderabad reflects DRDO’s leadership in driving India’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in semiconductors and critical technology. ESTIC-2025 promises to be a landmark platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and plotting India’s path to scientific and technological excellence on the global stage.
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Source: PIB
