Meet ISRO Chairman V Narayanan as he details the space agency's plans at ESTIC 2026, to be held in Delhi from October 27-29

ISRO will showcase its emerging technologies at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi from October 27-29, said Chairman Dr. V Narayanan and added that the event will focus on integrating science and technology efforts to help achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, according to All India Radio.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Narayanan said ISRO will showcase its emerging technologies at a three-day conclave scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 27 to 29. The event will bring together scientific institutions, government departments, researchers and industry representatives to discuss developments in key technology areas.

Who is ISRO Chairman V Narayanan?

Dr V Narayanan is a rocket and spacecraft propulsion specialist who took over as ISRO Chairman, Space Ministry Secretary and Space Commission Chairman on 13 January 2025. Prior to his appointment, he headed ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC), where he served as Director from January 2018 to January 2025.

He joined ISRO in 1984 and worked in several areas of launch vehicle and spacecraft propulsion. Initially, he was involved in solid propulsion systems for sounding rockets, Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center.

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Narayanan completed his MTech in Cryogenic Engineering from IIT Kharagpur in 1989, securing the first rank, and in 2001 he obtained his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the institute. He received a silver medal from IIT Kharagpur for his academic performance.

What are the key achievements of V Narayanan?

One of Narayanan’s major contributions was the development of India’s indigenous cryogenic propulsion technology. After the country was unable to acquire the technology for the GSLV Mk-II vehicle from abroad, he played a key role in developing and commissioning the cryogenic upper stage (CUS) domestically.

He also led the development of the C25 cryogenic stage for the GSLV Mk-III, now known as the LVM3. As project director of the C25 program, he directed the development of the propulsion stage that helped bring the launch vehicle into service.

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His contributions extended to the Chandrayaan missions. Propulsion systems developed under his leadership supported the LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-3, while the throttle propulsion system used by the Vikram lander played a role in India’s successful soft landing near the lunar south pole.

Narayanan also chaired the National Level Human Rated Certification Board for the Gaganyaan programme, India’s human spaceflight mission. During his tenure as director of LPSC, the center supplied 226 liquid propulsion systems and control plants for ISRO’s launch vehicles and satellites.

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His honors include Gold Medal from Indian Astronautical Society, Distinguished Alumnus Award from IIT Kharagpur, National Design Award and National Aeronautical Prize. He also received the APJ Abdul Kalam Award in 2023 and recognition for the achievements of the Chandrayaan-3 team by the International Academy of Astronautics in 2024.

I AM 2026

According to an official statement, ESTIC 2026 will bring together 12 science ministries and departments of the Union government in a coordinated whole-of-government approach. Organized under the leadership of the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, the conclave will feature 12 themed sessions on emerging and future technologies.

Why are semiconductors the main focus at ESTIC 2026?

DRDO Scientist and Director General (Technology Management) Anupam Sharma this month highlighted the importance of semiconductors in contemporary warfare, pointing out that these components and technologies are used in almost all areas of military operations, PTI reported.

He also predicted that the semiconductor-related business segment could expand to $200 billion by 2035.

DRDO is coordinating a dedicated session on ‘Next Generation Semiconductors and Chips’, which will bring together participants from the semiconductor industry, academia, the domestic chip development ecosystem and the defense electronics sector.

Micron India Vice President and Managing Director Anand Ramamoorthy will deliver the keynote address. Bharat Semi CEO Vrinda Kapoor, Netrasemi CEO Jyothis Indirabhai and IIT Madras Director Prof Kamakoti will be among the speakers.

The seminar will cover semiconductor technologies, application-specific artificial intelligence systems on chips, intelligence at the edge of silicon, and advances in microprocessors.

Moderated by DRDO Scientist and Director General (Electronics and Communication Systems) BK Das, the panel discussion will include representatives from DRDO, Qualcomm, Tata Semiconductor, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Anant Systems and BITS Pilani.

India’s ambition is to become a major global semiconductor hub by 2047, with interim milestones set for 2030 and 2035, the statement said. DRDO’s exhibition at the conclave will also showcase the capabilities of indigenous semiconductors and next-generation chips along with technologies developed by its laboratories for critical defense and strategic applications.