New Delhi/Alive News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together scientists, researchers, industry representatives and innovators to discuss advancements in science and technology.
The conclave, being held on October 27 and 28, with activities scheduled through October 29, will feature discussions across 12 sectors, with three Nobel laureates among the speakers. Organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with 13 ministries, the event is themed “Accelerating Science and Empowering Technology through Creative Thinking.”
Launched in 2025, ESTIC is being held for the second time this year. The programme includes scientific discussions, research presentations, startup exhibitions and sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and emerging businesses.
India’s research and development expenditure has increased from approximately ₹1.33 lakh crore in 2019-20 to ₹2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24, according to the figures cited for the event. Government spending accounted for around 48.2% of the total, while the private sector contributed 51.8%. Research expenditure stood at approximately 0.84% of the country’s GDP in 2023-24.
Investment in research supports developments in healthcare, agriculture, space, energy and electronics. Greater collaboration between researchers, companies and startups can help translate scientific discoveries into practical technologies, create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
The conclave aims to strengthen India’s science and innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development and adoption of emerging technologies.
