Insider Brief
- Chandigarh University has launched the KCC Space Technology & Research Program 2026 and Summer Internship Program 2026 with participation from ISRO, IIST, SCL, and different main scientific establishments.
- The month-long initiative will present college students with coaching, mentoring, workshops, and publicity to rising applied sciences in house, semiconductors, AI, and quantum communications.
- ISRO, IIST, and SCL leaders highlighted the significance of indigenous expertise improvement, quantum applied sciences, semiconductors, and AI for India’s future progress and safety.
PRESS RELEASE — In a significant step in direction of strengthening house expertise schooling and analysis, Chandigarh University, via its Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) has launched the KCC Space Technology & Research Program 2026 and the KCC Summer Internship Program 2026 at its campus on Monday.
The month-long national-level programme, operating from June 15 to July 11, 2026, has introduced collectively main house scientists, satellite tv for pc technologists and semiconductor specialists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) and different premier scientific establishments to mentor the following technology of innovators and researchers. The initiative will present college students with precious insights into rising house applied sciences and hands-on publicity to cutting-edge developments shaping India’s quickly evolving house sector.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr S Sudhakar, Deputy Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO because the Chief Guest whereas Prof. Priyadarshnam, Head and Project Director, SSPACE, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) attended because the Guest of Honour. Distinguished visitors included Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, and Sri Jothy Soman, Group Director, URSC, ISRO.
Speaking on the event, Dr S Sudhakar, Deputy Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO mentioned, “As India works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, science and technology will play a defining role in shaping the future. Science is going to govern the world and space technology will be one of the most important drivers of that transformation. One of the most important lessons young engineers and researchers can learn from ISRO’s journey is the value of developing indigenous technologies. We have achieved world-class results by building our own capabilities and relying on the talent of our people. Technology does not come free and acquiring it from elsewhere often comes at a significant cost. When we develop technologies ourselves, we not only reduce costs but also gain strategic advantages and self-reliance. This approach has enabled India to perform exceptionally well despite resource constraints.”
Dr S Sudhakar added, “Communication, navigation, scientific exploration and strategic applications will increasingly depend on advancements in the space sector. The coming decades will witness growing demand for space-based services, including surveillance, communication and navigation systems. The defence sector is also expanding its space-based capabilities, both independently and in collaboration with ISRO. At the same time, there will be increasing requirements for scientific research, exploration missions and technology development across multiple domains.”
“ISRO has already charted out an ambitious roadmap extending to 2047, including major programmes ranging from advanced exploration missions to long-term human spaceflight missions. To remain technologically ahead in an increasingly competitive global environment, India must continue to invest in indigenous technologies and strengthen its infrastructure,” added Dr Sudhakar.
Speaking on the event, Prof. Priyadarshnam, Head & Project Director, SSPACE, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) mentioned, “ISRO has always been at the forefront of achieving maximum impact with limited resources. One of the key lessons from its journey is the importance of precision, rigorous testing and human expertise. While automation has its place, mission success ultimately depends on meticulous development, validation and the dedication of scientists and engineers. This culture of frugal innovation and uncompromising testing has been central to ISRO’s achievements over the years.”
On the function rising applied sciences can play in strengthening the safety methods in the nation, Prof. Priyadarshnam mentioned, “Quantum technology will be a major thrust area in the future. If we do not adapt to quantum systems, many of the present security mechanisms could eventually become vulnerable. Research organizations across India, including ISRO, are already working on quantum technologies, particularly quantum cryptography and quantum communications. Artificial intelligence is another technology that will have a profound impact on the space sector. While its adoption in satellite systems is still evolving, the enormous volume of data being generated by modern space missions will make AI indispensable for analysis, decision-making and future space applications. These areas will play a crucial role in securing communications, protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening national security in the years ahead.”
On house expertise’s function in driving financial progress, he mentioned, “Space technology is going to play a major role in India’s future development. Unless we are quick enough to adopt and integrate space technologies across the domains, the pace of development will not be sufficient. There is certainly a threat perception arising from the growing role of space-based technologies in security and strategic affairs. However, India has the capability to overcome such challenges through indigenous innovation and technological self-reliance. India’s greatest strength lies in its talent, and we must increase our workforce in this critical sector. Innovation in areas such as small satellite technologies and advanced space systems will be important in enhancing our preparedness and resilience.”
Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) mentioned, “Semiconductors are the foundation of the digital economy and will play a crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, significant progress is already being made with multiple manufacturing and assembly plants being established across the country. Our objective is to build a robust, full-stack semiconductor ecosystem that reduces import dependence and strengthens India’s technological capabilities. Semiconductors are critical for strategic sectors including space, telecommunications, defence, artificial intelligence and advanced computing.”
“The next step is to strengthen manufacturing, deployment and application ecosystems. As artificial intelligence becomes a key driver of future growth, India must leverage its vast data resources to develop indigenous technologies and sovereign AI models. Building strong capabilities in semiconductors and AI will not only boost economic growth but also enhance national security, technological independence and India’s competitiveness in the global innovation landscape,” added Dr Kamaljeet.
Over the following 4 weeks, almost 15 eminent scientists, administrators, senior researchers and technical specialists from premier nationwide establishments together with ISRO, IIST, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) and different main organizations will have interaction with Chandigarh University college students and school via an intensive collection of technical coaching classes, knowledgeable lectures, laboratory demonstrations, mentoring programmes, analysis discussions and interactive workshops.