Bengaluru: Semiconductor ecosystem in spotlight

Bengaluru: Semiconductor ecosystem in spotlight The 2026 edition of Bengaluru INDIA NANO, Karnataka’s annual international nanotechnology conference and exhibition, opened in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The event featured prominent figures including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister for Home and Information Technology, Biotechnology and e-Governance, Priyank Kharge, and Bharat Ratna awardee C.N.R. Rao. The opening ceremony included a tribute to Rao, who was honored for his groundbreaking contributions to science and his pivotal role in advancing nanoscience research in India. His wife, Indumathi Rao, accepted the honor on his behalf. She emphasized the need to extend scientific knowledge and technological advancements to underserved communities. She spoke highly of Bengaluru INDIA NANO, describing it as a comprehensive platform that has grown significantly over time. She expressed hope that the event would motivate more individuals to engage with science and bring the benefits of modern technology to rural areas. She explained that their efforts aim to reach those who lack access to resources, stating, “We reach out to where they can’t reach in. If people do not have the facility to seek help, we go out and help them.” The inaugural session also focused on India's increasing ambitions within the global semiconductor industry. Rangesh Raghavan, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director of Lam Research India, addressed the audience. He outlined the potential for India to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem that combines supply chain integration, advanced engineering capabilities, and a well-trained workforce. This vision aligns with broader national goals to strengthen the country’s position in high-tech manufacturing and innovation sectors. During the event, several awards were presented. The Bengaluru INDIA NANO Innovation Award 2026 went to Prasinos Tech Innovations for its indigenous hydrodynamic-cavitation nanobubble technology. This technology is being used to improve water treatment processes and aid in ecosystem restoration throughout India. In addition, the government announced the Karnataka DST Nanoscience Fellowship Awardees 2026. These fellowships, administered by the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTePS), support exceptional PhD students conducting cutting-edge research in nanoscience and engineering. The recipients include Pritam Pal from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Debmalya Mukhopadhyay from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) Bengaluru, Souvik Banerjee from the Indian Association for Cultivation of Sciences (IACS) Kolkata, Alisha Rohal and Sudip Naskar from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (INST) Mohali, and Snehraj Gaur from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The conference continued with sessions on emerging technologies, policy frameworks, and collaborative opportunities in nanoscience and related fields. Industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss challenges and innovations shaping the future of nanotechnology in India. Discussions centered around fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing public engagement with science, and leveraging nanotechnology for sustainable development. As the event progressed, participants explored exhibits showcasing the latest advancements in materials science, biomedical applications, and environmental sustainability. Workshops and panel discussions provided platforms for exchanging ideas and strategies for driving growth in the nanotechnology sector. The atmosphere reflected a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery while addressing real-world problems through innovative solutions. Looking ahead, the organizers expect the conference to serve as a catalyst for further investment and collaboration in the field of nanotechnology. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical application, the 2026 edition of Bengaluru INDIA NANO aims to solidify India’s standing as a key player in global nanoscience research and development.