India's science and technology sector has been abuzz with significant developments over the last 24 hours, marked by a major national conclave, groundbreaking innovations, and crucial space missions.
Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) Fuels R&D Growth
The ongoing three-day Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3-5, 2025, has been a focal point for India's scientific community.
ā¹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme Fund Launched
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ESTIC 2025 and launched a monumental ā¹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. This initiative is designed to invigorate a private sector-driven research and innovation ecosystem, aiming to mobilize private investment and commercialize deep-tech innovations across critical and sunrise sectors. The scheme supports long-term financing at low or nil interest rates for projects that bridge the gap between concept and market, and includes a Deep-Tech Fund-of-Funds for startups.
Deep-Tech Breakthroughs in Quantum and Cancer Therapy
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, announced major deep-tech breakthroughs achieved by Indian innovators at ESTIC 2025. These include India's indigenous quantum security chip (QSIP), the country's first 25-qubit quantum computing chip (QPU), and India's first indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy for cancer. These innovations are seen as powerful milestones marking India's emergence as a global science and technology powerhouse.
DRDO Leads on Semiconductor Manufacturing
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is playing a central role at ESTIC 2025, leading a thematic session on 'Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing'. DRDO has made significant progress in indigenous semiconductor technology, including the development of 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W, crucial for defence and aerospace applications.
Engaging the Indian Diaspora
During the conclave, Dr. Jitendra Singh also urged Indian diaspora scientists to actively contribute to the nation's scientific renaissance. He emphasized a shift from the traditional "brain drain" to a "reverse brain drain" model, encouraging scientists abroad to work for India using digital collaboration tools.
ISRO Successfully Launches Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03
In a significant boost to India's space capabilities, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the CMS-03 (also known as GSAT-7R), India's heaviest communication satellite, aboard its LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota. Weighing approximately 4,410 kg, the satellite will significantly enhance India's maritime and communication capabilities, particularly for the Indian Navy. Prime Minister Modi lauded the launch as a "shiny example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and congratulated ISRO scientists.
India-UK Science and Technology Partnership Dashboard Unveiled
Further strengthening international collaboration, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr. David Warren Smith, National Technology Adviser to the United Kingdom, unveiled the pilot version of the India-United Kingdom Science and Technology Partnership (IN-UK-STP) Dashboard in New Delhi. This dashboard maps 143 bilateral projects, facilitating the identification of gaps and the alignment of priorities between the two nations.
Indian Institutions Shine in QS University Rankings
In the realm of academic excellence, several Indian institutions have been recognized in the latest QS University Rankings for Asia. Five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, and Delhi University have secured positions among Asia's top 100 institutions. IIT-Delhi notably maintained its position as the best Indian institute for the fifth consecutive year.
Other Key Updates
- Chandigarh University-Uttar Pradesh launched 'Campus Tank', India's largest university-led launchpad for young innovators, and 'CU AI Space' equipped with advanced AI tools.
- NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub unveiled a roadmap titled 'Reimagining Agriculture: A Roadmap for Frontier Technology Led Transformation' in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- The Government of India also recently announced the full list of winners for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, honoring exceptional achievements by Indian scientists and innovators across various fields.