The Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, running from November 3 to 5, 2025. The conclave, a flagship national platform, brought together over 3,000 participants from academia, industry, government, and global experts to drive forward the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” It serves to assess progress, define strategic priorities, and formulate an actionable roadmap for India’s scientific and technological advancements.
A major highlight of ESTIC 2025 was the launch of the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. This landmark initiative aims to create a private sector-driven research and development ecosystem by providing capital for high-risk, high-impact projects. The scheme is designed to accelerate the nation’s transformation into a global S&T hub and strengthen self-reliance in critical domains. PM Modi also announced the establishment of the Anusandhan Research Foundation to institutionalize and boost R&D across universities.
Discussions at the conclave focused on 11 key thematic areas, including Energy, Environment & Climate, Bio-Manufacturing, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Science. This agenda directly addresses India’s push toward innovation-led development and climate resilience. The Ministry of Earth Sciences, for example, led discussions on the Blue Economy, emphasizing sustainable ocean technologies and marine resources as essential for tackling national priorities and achieving technological sovereignty.
