NEW DELHI: The MERI Group of Institutions, in association with SIA-India and MERI’s Department of Space Studies, hosted a national conference on space chips and advanced semiconductor technology at Taramandal, MERI Delhi Campus.
The conference, “Space Chips: Purpose, Designing, Fabrication and Frontier Technology,” brought together experts from defence, science, policy and industry. They discussed India’s semiconductor capabilities, space-grade electronic components and the need for resilient supply chains.
The event also explored how advances in space technology could support wider national priorities, including maritime strategy and the blue economy.
Semiconductor Technology Takes Centre Stage
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 indigenous space-grade chip manufacturing. Lt Gen PJS Pannu discussed the use of radiation-hardened microchips in defence communications and space surveillance.
Col. Anurag Awasthi, Maj. Gen. Ravi Chaudhary and Shri Yogesh Shinde contributed to discussions on semiconductor fabrication, AI-driven warfare, MEMS, specialised sensors and photonic integrated circuits.
These technologies form part of the wider ecosystem required to develop specialised electronics for space, defence and other advanced applications.
Report Highlights Space’s Role in Oceanography
One of the conference’s key moments was the release of the report “Role of Space in Oceanography & Blue Economy.” The report placed oceanography and maritime development alongside semiconductor technology in the broader discussion on India’s technological priorities.
A roundtable followed the report’s release, with participants discussing how space-based technologies could support India’s maritime strategy. The discussion also connected these applications with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Air Cmde Himanshu Gopal delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks.
By combining discussions on semiconductor innovation with oceanography and maritime applications, the conference created a platform to examine the wider role of space technology in India’s strategic and economic development.
