Event Details

At the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Electronic Systems and Artificial Intelligence Applications (ICESAIA-2026) in Hyderabad, Dr. Jagannath Nayak, Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems), DRDO, delivered a thought-provoking address highlighting the critical role of indigenous semiconductor technology in building a truly Atmanirbhar AI ecosystem.

"You may have advanced software and AI algorithms, but without indigenous semiconductor chips, self-reliant AI cannot become a reality."

Dr. Nayak traced India's AI journey from the establishment of DRDO's Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) under the visionary leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to today's rapid advances in semiconductor technology that are transforming AI capabilities.

He also called upon engineering students and faculty to:

? Collaborate closely with DRDO scientists and researchers.

? Move beyond classroom learning and embrace innovation.

? Become job creators instead of job seekers through entrepreneurship and technology-driven startups.

? Focus on practical, problem-solving education from the very first day of engineering.

The inspiring address reinforced the importance of stronger partnerships between academia, industry and DRDO to accelerate India's leadership in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and strategic technologies.

?? Building Indigenous Technologies. Empowering Innovation. Strengthening National Security.