Charting the Future of India with ESTIC-2025: Roadmap for Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat at the Flagship Science & Technology Conclave

Technology,and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November 2025,possibly marking the end of the Indian Science Congress. This new platform aims to accelerate India's scientific progress toward its 2047 goals.">

October 18, 2025

New Delhi – India is poised to inaugurate a novel forum for scientific advancement, the Emerging science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), scheduled to take place from November 3rd to 5th, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This initiative is widely anticipated to succeed, and potentially replace, the longstanding Indian Science Congress, according to sources familiar with the planning.

A New Era of Scientific Collaboration

The Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave represents a notable strategic repositioning by the Indian government, emphasizing the imperative of translating research into tangible economic and societal benefits by 2047. The event is designed to be an outcome-driven forum,uniting key stakeholders from across the scientific landscape,industry,and governmental bodies. It is indeed being collaboratively developed by the Department of Science and Technology, operating under the direction of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, articulated that the conclave will serve as a critical platform for young innovators, startups, and researchers to showcase groundbreaking solutions, seek mentorship, and establish connections with relevant industry leaders and stakeholders. He underscored the importance of integrating frontier technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, space exploration, and clean energy, across all eleven thematic areas of focus.

Key Features and Objectives of ESTIC-2025

ESTIC-2025 seeks to consolidate India’s scientific community, its burgeoning industrial sector, and innovative startups on a single platform.Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India, stated that the conclave aims to convert innovative concepts into measurable impact, streamlining efforts across ministries and aligning them with the nation’s overarching priorities. This strategic alignment will reinforce established pathways for converting laboratory research into scalable solutions.

Prof.Abhay Karandikar,Secretary of the Department of science & Technology,emphasized that ESTIC-2025 would outline a thorough roadmap toward achieving the goals of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” facilitated by a unified,government-wide approach. The conference agenda will encompass plenary sessions delivered by globally recognized experts and Nobel Laureates,in-depth technical discussions with leaders from science and technology sectors,presentations by women entrepreneurs,and showcases of disruptive innovations from deep-tech startups.

A Multi-Ministerial Initiative

The initiative represents a broad collaborative effort, bringing together a wide range of ministries and departments. This includes the Department of Atomic Energy,Ministry of Ayush,Department of Biotechnology,Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR),Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO),Ministry of Earth sciences,Ministry of Education,Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology,Indian Council of agricultural Research (ICAR),Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),Department of Space,and Department of Telecommunications.

Key Feature	Description
Focus	Accelerating the lab-to-market journey of scientific innovations.
Participants	Global experts, Nobel laureates, startups, researchers, industry leaders.
Themes	Semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotech, space, clean energy, and more.
Goal	Contribute to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.

Did You Know? India’s investment in research and development has seen a consistent rise, with a 2023 report indicating a 45% increase in government funding for scientific projects over the past five years.

What role will private sector investment play in the success of ESTIC’s goals? And how will the conclave ensure equitable access to these opportunities for scientists from all regions of India?

The Evolving Landscape of Science Communication

The shift from the Indian Science Congress to ESTIC reflects a broader global trend towards more outcome-focused scientific conferences. Historically, scientific congresses served primarily as forums for presenting research findings. Though, modern innovation ecosystems demand an emphasis on commercialization and impact. ESTIC’s focus on “translation pathways” underscores this evolution. A recent report by the national Science Foundation highlights that collaborations between universities and industry are crucial for turning scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions.

frequently Asked Questions about ESTIC-2025

• What is the primary goal of the ESTIC conclave? The main goal is to accelerate the translation of scientific research into practical applications and contribute to India’s development goals for 2047.
• Who is expected to participate in ESTIC-2025? participants will include global experts, Nobel Laureates, startups, researchers, and industry leaders.
• What are the key technology areas that will be emphasized at ESTIC-2025? Key areas include semiconductors,AI,quantum computing,biotechnology,space,and clean energy.
• What is the significance of the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision? This vision outlines a roadmap for India’s development and progress by the year 2047, with science and technology playing a central role.
• Will ESTIC replace the Indian Science Congress? While not explicitly stated, ESTIC is widely anticipated to succeed and potentially replace the Indian Science Congress.
• How will ESTIC measure its success? ESTIC is designed as an outcome-oriented forum, measuring success through actionable next steps, measurable follow-ups, and momentum beyond the event days.
• What is the role of collaboration in ESTIC? Collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, and funding bodies is central to ESTIC, fostering innovation and impact.

Share your thoughts on this pivotal shift in India’s scientific strategy in the comments below!

How will the ESTIC-2025 roadmap specifically address the challenges of scaling up indigenous technology advancement beyond the initial innovation phase?

The ESTIC-2025 Vision: A Deep Dive

The ESTIC-2025 (Emerging Science & technology Innovation Conclave) isn’t just another science and technology event; it’s a pivotal moment for India, designed to accelerate the nation’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. This flagship conclave,held [Date and Location to be inserted – assuming late 2025],serves as a crucial platform for policymakers,researchers,industry leaders,and innovators to collaborate and define a clear roadmap for technological advancement.Key areas of focus include advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, space technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy solutions. The overarching goal is to foster indigenous capabilities and reduce reliance on external sources for critical technologies.

Key Pillars of the ESTIC-2025 Roadmap

The ESTIC-2025 roadmap is built upon several interconnected pillars, each designed to contribute to India’s technological self-sufficiency and economic growth. These include:

* Strengthening R&D Infrastructure: Significant investment in research and development facilities across the country, notably in emerging technology areas.This includes upgrading existing institutions and establishing new centers of excellence. Focus areas are quantum computing, nanotechnology, and materials science.

* Promoting Indigenous Technology Development: Incentivizing the development and commercialization of technologies created within India. This involves providing funding, mentorship, and access to resources for startups and research institutions. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is a prime example of this approach.

* Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between government,industry,and academia to accelerate innovation and technology transfer. This collaborative approach is vital for bridging the gap between research and real-world applications.

* Developing a Skilled Workforce: Investing in education and training programs to create a skilled workforce capable of driving technological innovation.This includes promoting STEM education at all levels and providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling.

* Creating a Supportive Regulatory Environment: Streamlining regulations and creating a business-amiable environment that encourages investment in research and development.This involves reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing clear guidelines for technology development and deployment.

Focus Areas & Technological Breakthroughs Anticipated

ESTIC-2025 is expected to generate significant momentum in several key technological areas. Here’s a breakdown:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

* National AI Strategy Implementation: Progress updates on the national AI Strategy, including initiatives to promote AI adoption across various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and finance.

* AI-Powered Solutions for Social Impact: Showcasing AI-driven solutions addressing critical social challenges, such as disease diagnosis, disaster management, and education.

* Ethical AI Frameworks: Discussions on developing ethical guidelines and frameworks for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

Biotechnology & Healthcare Innovation

* Genome Editing & precision Medicine: advancements in genome editing technologies and their application in developing personalized medicine solutions.

* Biomanufacturing & Vaccine Development: Strengthening India’s biomanufacturing capabilities and accelerating the development of new vaccines and therapies. The success of India’s COVID-19 vaccine production serves as a strong foundation.

* Digital Health & Telemedicine: Expanding access to healthcare through digital health platforms and telemedicine solutions, particularly in rural areas.

Space technology & Satellite Applications

* Private Sector Participation in Space Exploration: Encouraging greater private sector involvement in space exploration and satellite development. Recent policy changes are already fostering this growth.

* Satellite-Based Services for Agriculture & Disaster Management: Leveraging satellite technology to improve agricultural practices, monitor natural disasters, and provide early warning systems.

* Indigenous Satellite Launch Capabilities: Further enhancing India’s indigenous satellite launch capabilities through ISRO and private space companies.

Sustainable Energy & Green technologies

* Hydrogen mission & Green Hydrogen Production: Progress on the National hydrogen Mission and initiatives to promote the production and use of green hydrogen.

* Renewable Energy Storage Solutions: Developing advanced energy storage technologies to address the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

* electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem Development: Strengthening the EV ecosystem through investments in charging infrastructure, battery technology, and EV manufacturing.

Benefits of a Technology-Driven India: The Viksit Bharat Vision

The successful implementation of the ESTIC-2025 roadmap will yield significant benefits for India, contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat:

* Economic Growth: Technological innovation will drive economic growth by creating new industries, generating employment opportunities, and increasing productivity.

* Improved Quality of Life: Advances in