Overview
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is participating in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3-5, 2025. The conclave's theme is ‘Viksit Bharat 2047 - Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment’. This event underscores the government's focus on advancing India's technological capabilities and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- Inauguration: The conclave was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on November 3, 2025.
- Funding: The Prime Minister launched a Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme Fund to promote private sector-driven research and innovation.
- Thematic Session: DRDO is leading the thematic session on ‘Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing’.
- Participation: The event brings together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry, and government.
DRDO's Role and Contributions
DRDO plays a crucial role in advancing India's capabilities in strategic technology domains. Its participation in ESTIC 2025 highlights its commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in critical sectors.
Semiconductor Technology
- Indigenous Development: DRDO has made significant strides in semiconductor technology by developing indigenous methods for producing 4-inch Silicon Carbide wafers.
- Gallium Nitride Transistors: DRDO has also fabricated Gallium Nitride High Electron Mobility Transistors up to 150W.
- Technical Session: Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, will chair a Technical Session on Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing on November 5, 2025.
Other DRDO Officials
- Smt Suma Varughese: Distinguished Scientist & Director General, Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems.
- Dr Ramalingam Balamuralikrishnan: Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad.
- Dr Somna Mahajan: Scientist-G at Solid State Physics Laboratory, Delhi.
Significance of ESTIC 2025
ESTIC 2025 serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders in the science and technology ecosystem. It focuses on key areas critical for India's development and global competitiveness.
Key Areas of Deliberation
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bio-Manufacturing
- Blue Economy
- Digital Communications
- Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Emerging Agriculture Technologies
- Energy
- Environment & Climate
- Health & Medical Technologies
- Quantum Science & Technology
- Space Technologies
Exam Relevance
This event is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology). It highlights government initiatives to promote research and innovation, advancements in critical technologies, and efforts towards self-reliance in strategic sectors.
Potential Exam Questions
- Discuss the significance of the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision in the context of science, technology, and innovation.
- Analyze the role of government initiatives like the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation Scheme Fund in promoting a private sector-driven research and innovation ecosystem.
- Evaluate DRDO's contributions to semiconductor technology and its impact on India's self-reliance in strategic sectors.