C-DAC Collaboration: 7 Game-Changing Reasons Why Partnering with Private Sector Could Revolutionize India’s Tech Future

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is being encouraged to adopt a more collaborative approach with private industry, similar to ISRO’s successful public-private partnership model. S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, emphasized that engaging private companies can help scale and commercialize C-DAC’s innovations, making advanced technologies accessible across the country. He stressed the importance of transferring developed technologies to capable partners for ongoing maintenance, upgrades, and broader adoption.

Highlighting progress in the semiconductor space, he referenced the Vega program and urged similar models for server manufacturing. C-DAC’s Director General, E. Magesh, confirmed steps are already underway, including partnerships with firms like VVDN, Kaynes, and Avalon for building Rudra servers. Under the National Supercomputing Mission, collaborations with NVIDIA and manufacturing at JABIL’s Pune facility mark a strong industry linkage.

C-DAC is also preparing Mission Mode Programmes in emerging tech areas like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. A major joint venture with Applied Materials India will focus on developing high-performance processors and building a robust ecosystem to support national and global tech demands.

C-DAC Collaboration: 7 Game-Changing Reasons Why Partnering with Private Sector Could Revolutionize India’s Tech Future

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has been encouraged to strengthen its collaboration with private companies, taking inspiration from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ISRO’s partnerships with private players have accelerated innovation and commercialization in the space sector, and similar opportunities now exist for C-DAC to expand its impact.

S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), emphasized the importance of C-DAC adopting a similar approach. He highlighted how ISRO’s joint efforts with private firms have enhanced India’s space capabilities, suggesting that C-DAC could achieve comparable growth by forming stronger ties with industry leaders. “We’re eager to collaborate with the private sector to enhance India’s technological strengths,” Krishnan said. He stressed the need to connect research institutions, businesses, and academia to fuel innovation that benefits society.

Speaking at C-DAC’s Foundation Day event, Krishnan underscored the need to ensure that the organization’s technological breakthroughs reach the public effectively. For this, he emphasized the role of industry partners who can sustain and scale these innovations. “Developing cutting-edge technology is just the first step. We need partners who can refine, maintain, and deliver these solutions to users,” he explained.

Learning from Semiconductor Success

Krishnan pointed to India’s semiconductor efforts as a blueprint for collaboration. The Vega program, which focuses on open-source chip design, showcases how government and private entities can work together to meet shared goals. He said similar synergies are essential in areas like server development. C-DAC’s in-house server designs, for instance, could be mass-produced and marketed by Indian manufacturers, combining public-sector research with private-sector agility.

Progress in Domestic Server Manufacturing

C-DAC Director General E. Magesh shared updates on the agency’s push to build a self-reliant ecosystem for server production. Under Phase II of the National Supercomputing Mission, C-DAC has partnered with tech firms like Mellanox (now part of NVIDIA) to produce advanced networking components at JABIL’s facility in Pune. The agency has also transferred design and manufacturing expertise for its indigenous “Rudra” servers to companies such as VVDN Technologies, Kaynes Technology India, and Avalon Technologies.

These partnerships are already showing results. VVDN Technologies has collaborated with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to manufacture servers, while Sanmina produces servers for global clients like Atos. These collaborations demonstrate how Indian firms can play a critical role in both domestic and international tech supply chains.

Next-Gen Technologies on the Horizon

Looking ahead, C-DAC is preparing to roll out specialized “Mission Mode” programs in frontier areas such as exascale computing, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These programs will include Centres of Excellence focusing on vital sectors like healthcare, agriculture, transportation, maritime, energy, and strategic technologies.

One of the most ambitious efforts is the Advanced Computing Research (ACR) initiative—a joint venture with Applied Materials India (AMIND). This 50:50 collaboration aims to develop high-performance computing components, including GPUs, CPUs, and AI accelerators. The project will also explore RISC-V processors (an open-source chip architecture), scalable networking solutions, and integrated photonics. A strong software ecosystem will support these hardware innovations, aligning with initiatives like the National Supercomputing Mission.

Building a Self-Reliant Tech Ecosystem

The broader goal, as Magesh explained, is to build an end-to-end ecosystem where India not only designs advanced technologies but also manufactures and deploys them to meet national needs and serve global markets. “From research to assembly, we want Indian expertise to drive every stage of the process,” he said.

Why This Matters

C-DAC’s push to collaborate with private companies reflects a broader shift in India’s approach to tech development. By combining public-sector research with private-sector speed and efficiency, the country can boost innovation, cut dependency on imports, and create high-value employment. ISRO’s model has already proven that such partnerships can transform entire industries—from launching satellites to enabling space-tech startups. If adopted by C-DAC, this approach could help India emerge as a global leader in advanced computing and next-generation technologies.

In summary, C-DAC’s renewed focus on industry collaboration, inspired by ISRO’s achievements, marks a promising phase for India’s tech ecosystem. With government backing, private-sector engagement, and academic support, this initiative aims to turn cutting-edge research into practical solutions that power both the economy and society.