DRDO pushes India ahead in semiconductor tech drive
India’s military research arm has achieved breakthroughs in chip manufacturing that could boost self-reliance across critical sectors, defense officials said on Tuesday. The Defence Research and Development Organisation announced it can produce 4-inch silicon carbide wafers domestically and has fabricated gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors reaching 150 watts.
The agency will showcase these advances at a three-day science conclave running through Wednesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Chairman Samir V Kamat will oversee discussions about electronics and chip production on Wednesday during the gathering, which draws more than 3,000 attendees from universities, laboratories and private companies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the event on Monday by launching a 1 trillion rupee fund aimed at spurring private investment in scientific research.
Defense officials noted that semiconductors power essential systems across medicine, telecommunications, transportation and aerospace. The conclave brings together Nobel Prize winners, prominent researchers and government leaders to strengthen collaboration between inventors and manufacturers. Panel discussions and technology demonstrations will highlight opportunities for partnerships among academics, businesses and emerging scientists.
