DRDO Chief Highlights Semiconductor Role in India's Tech Growth

• DRDO develops indigenous SiC wafers and 150W GaN HEMT transistors.
• India advances from semiconductor vision to execution within four years.
• ESTIC-2025 promotes sustainable innovation under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ theme.

At the curtain-raiser event for the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025) hosted by DRDO at DRDL, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, emphasized the pivotal role of semiconductors in modern technology ecosystems.

He highlighted their critical importance in powering systems across healthcare, communications, transportation, defense, and space. Dr. Kamat noted that as global economies advance toward greater digitalization and automation, semiconductors are essential for national security, economic growth, and technological domination.

Discussing India’s progress in this domain, Dr. Kamat pointed out that since the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021, the nation has rapidly moved from vision to execution within four years.

He underscored DRDO’s achievements in developing indigenous methods for producing 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with up to 150W capacity, marking significant strides in semiconductor technology.

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The ESTIC-2025, scheduled for November 3–5 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, will be organized by 13 government ministries and departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

The conclave, themed ‘Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment,’ aims to foster collaboration and innovation for India’s future.