The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a leading role at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, currently being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3 to 5. The conclave is organized under the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment” and aims to advance India’s innovation and self-reliance agenda.
The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced the launch of a ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme Fund. The initiative is expected to significantly boost private sector-driven R&D and strengthen India’s position in global technology development. The Prime Minister highlighted that innovation is no longer restricted to public institutions alone, with increasing participation from private companies and startups in frontier research areas.
Focus on Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing
DRDO is heading discussions in one of the most crucial sectors for India’s strategic security and economic growth: Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing. On November 5, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, will chair a dedicated technical session focusing on advancements and opportunities in this domain.
The session reinforces DRDO’s long-term efforts to develop indigenous semiconductor technologies with applications in defence, space, communication systems, transportation, and healthcare. With global semiconductor supply chains facing disruption from geopolitical tensions, India’s pursuit of self-reliance in chip manufacturing has become increasingly urgent.
Recent Indigenous Achievements
DRDO has reported significant progress in semiconductor and electronics innovation. Key breakthroughs include:
• Development of indigenous 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers used in high-power and high-temperature systems.
• Fabrication of Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W, crucial for radar systems, satellite communication networks, and advanced electronic warfare applications.
These advancements aim to reduce dependence on imports while enhancing the reliability and security of India’s strategic systems.
DRDO Leadership Participation
Senior DRDO scientists are contributing across multiple sessions at the conclave, including experts in microelectronics, materials research, and semiconductor physics. Among them are Smt Suma Varughese, Director General (Micro Electronic Devices and Cyber Systems), Dr. Ramalingam Balamuralikrishnan of DMRL Hyderabad, and Dr. Somna Mahajan from SSPL Delhi.
Collaboration for Viksit Bharat 2047
ESTIC 2025 brings together more than 3,000 participants, including Nobel laureates, academicians, policymakers, global industry leaders, and young innovators. Jointly organized by 13 ministries and departments, the conclave spans key sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, environment, health technologies, energy, blue economy, and space.
Vision for the Future
The newly established innovation fund, together with ongoing initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for semiconductors and Make in India, is expected to accelerate India’s advancement in deep-tech manufacturing. DRDO’s leadership at ESTIC highlights how strategic defence research is increasingly contributing to national industrial strength and technological sovereignty.
As India marches toward the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, ESTIC 2025 demonstrates a coordinated national commitment to innovation, collaboration, and indigenous capability-building.