NEW DELHI: The MERI Group of Institutions and SIA-India organised a national conference on space chips and semiconductor technology at Taramandal, MERI Delhi Campus. MERI’s Department of Space Studies also supported the event.
Titled “Space Chips: Purpose, Designing, Fabrication and Frontier Technology,” the conference brought together defence leaders, space scientists, policymakers and industry experts. Participants discussed space-grade semiconductors, chip fabrication, supply chain resilience and India’s efforts to strengthen technological self-reliance.
Experts Discuss India’s Semiconductor Capabilities
Prof. Lalit Aggarwal, Vice President of MERI, delivered the introductory address. Shri Pawan Kapur presented SIA-India’s framework for strengthening India’s space technology ecosystem.
Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing of space-grade chips. Lt Gen PJS Pannu discussed the role of radiation-hardened microchips in defence communications and space surveillance.
Other speakers, including Col. Anurag Awasthi, Maj. Gen. Ravi Chaudhary and Shri Yogesh Shinde, shared insights into semiconductor fabrication, AI-driven warfare, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), specialised sensors and photonic integrated circuits.
Conference Connects Space Technology with the Blue Economy
A key highlight of the event was the release of a report titled “Role of Space in Oceanography & Blue Economy.” The report brought the conference’s focus towards the potential role of space-based technologies in ocean research and maritime development.
A roundtable discussion followed the release. Participants explored how India could use space technologies to support its maritime strategy and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Air Cmde Himanshu Gopal delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks, concluding the national conference.
The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, researchers, defence experts and industry stakeholders in advancing India’s space and semiconductor capabilities.
