The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) observed its 39th Foundation Day with addresses from senior government and scientific officials who outlined the organisation’s involvement in India’s high-performance computing, cybersecurity, semiconductor, and emerging digital initiatives.
S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), spoke virtually and described C-DAC’s contributions to the National Supercomputing Mission, National Semiconductor Mission, and National Quantum Mission. He noted the organisation’s work in advancing high-performance computing, cybersecurity, semiconductor technologies, and other digital domains through research and infrastructure development.
Krishnan identified emerging areas for attention, including quantum computing, RISC-V, blockchain, and IoT. He called for increased self-reliance in core technologies such as operating systems and databases, and emphasised stronger collaboration with industry, academia, and defence sectors, along with translational research aimed at real-world applications. He also welcomed C-DAC’s expanding industry partnerships and its decision to host Foundation Day events across multiple centres, starting with Hyderabad.
Dr. S. Somanath, former Chairman of ISRO, addressed the gathering and referred to C-DAC’s legacy in supercomputing via the PARAM series and its past collaboration with ISRO on computing and electronic systems for space missions. He pointed to global developments such as expanding satellite constellations, AI-driven autonomous systems, and the convergence of space and other technologies. Somanath stressed the requirement for indigenous development of small-satellite platforms, supply chains, and critical components to achieve technological self-reliance, and urged C-DAC to align its supercomputing efforts with national priorities in advanced computing and space technologies.
Sudeep Shrivastava, Joint Secretary, MeitY, congratulated C-DAC on the occasion and highlighted its work in emerging technologies. He spoke of the need for people-centric solutions, bridging research with commercialisation, maintaining quality standards, and pursuing innovation, patents, and excellence.
The event included participation from Dr. E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC; Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD, Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology; Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar; and Ms. Sheena Rani R., DG (MED, COS & CS), Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Officials present noted C-DAC’s position in supporting innovation, self-reliance, and collaboration across critical and emerging technology areas linked to national missions. The celebrations took place at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad.
