Programme Launch
On 15 June 2026, Chandigarh University inaugurated the Kalpana Chawla Centre (KCC) Space Technology & Research Program 2026 together with the KCC Summer Internship Program 2026. The month‑long national‑level initiative runs until 11 July 2026 and is designed to give students hands‑on exposure to emerging space technologies.
Participants and Schedule
The programme brings together leading space scientists, satellite technologists and semiconductor experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) and other premier institutions. Over the next four weeks, approximately 15 eminent scientists, directors, senior researchers and technical experts from ISRO, IIST, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), SCL and additional organisations will engage with Chandigarh University students and faculty through technical training sessions, expert lectures, laboratory demonstrations, mentoring programmes, research discussions and interactive workshops.
Key Speakers
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr S Sudhakar, Deputy Director of the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) at ISRO, who served as Chief Guest. Prof. Priyadarshnam, Head and Project Director of SSPACE at IIST, was the Guest of Honour. Distinguished guests also included Dr Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, and Sri Jothy Soman, Group Director of URSC, ISRO.
Statements from Leaders
Dr S Sudhakar emphasized that indigenous technology development reduces costs, provides strategic advantage and is essential for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He noted the growing demand for space‑based services such as surveillance, communication, navigation and defence applications, and stressed that continued investment in indigenous capabilities is required to stay technologically ahead.
Prof. Priyadarshnam highlighted ISRO’s culture of precision, rigorous testing and frugal innovation. He identified quantum technology – particularly quantum cryptography and communications – and artificial intelligence as future thrust areas that will secure communications, protect critical infrastructure and enable efficient analysis of the massive data generated by modern space missions.
Dr Kamaljeet Singh outlined the role of semiconductors as the foundation of the digital economy and described progress under the India Semiconductor Mission, including the establishment of multiple manufacturing and assembly plants. He stated that building a robust, full‑stack semiconductor ecosystem will reduce import dependence and support strategic sectors such as space, telecommunications, defence, AI and advanced computing, thereby boosting economic growth and national security.
Institutional Profile
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade, QS World‑Ranked autonomous university approved by the UGC, located near Chandigarh in Punjab. It offers more than 109 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce and other fields, and has been recognised as the University with Best Placements by WCRC.
Release Information
The press release was distributed by PRNewswire under an arrangement with Chandigarh University. The disclaimer notes that PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the content.