In a significant push for India's scientific and technological landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on November 3, 2025.
During the inaugural ceremony, PM Modi launched the ambitious ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. This fund is designed to stimulate private sector investment in research and development, particularly for high-risk and high-impact projects, aiming to foster a robust R&D ecosystem in the country.
The three-day conclave, held from November 3 to 5, 2025, brings together over 3,000 participants, including Nobel Laureates, eminent scientists, innovators, policymakers, and representatives from academia, research institutions, industry, and government. Deliberations at ESTIC 2025 will focus on 11 key thematic areas, including Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agriculture Technologies, Energy, Environment & Climate, Health & Medical Technologies, Quantum Science & Technology, and Space Technologies.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India is transitioning from being merely a consumer of technology to becoming a pioneer in technology-driven transformation. He highlighted that India now possesses the world's first and most successful digital public infrastructure. The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of the Anusandhan Research Foundation to strengthen research and innovation across universities.
A day prior to the conclave, Indian scientists successfully launched India's heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS-03), weighing around 4,400 kg. PM Modi lauded ISRO scientists for this significant achievement, underscoring India's growing prowess in space technology.
Furthermore, recent developments include a collaboration between IBM and AICTE to launch an AI lab in India, further enhancing the country's capabilities in artificial intelligence. India's R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade, and patent registrations have surged 17 times, reflecting the nation's commitment to innovation and its emergence as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem.
The government is focusing on "Ease of Doing Research" to foster a modern ecosystem of innovation, with reforms aimed at swiftly moving prototypes from lab to market. India's significant strides in sunrise domains like green hydrogen, quantum computing, deep sea research, and critical minerals were also highlighted.