Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ESTIC 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 27. More than 5,000 delegates participated in the first day of the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conference (ESTIC) 2026. These included scientists, policymakers, and representatives from deep-tech startups from across the globe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged scientists, researchers, startups and industry leaders to set clear three year target for developing technologies, prototypes and pilot projects, stressing that scientific research must produce measurable results and provide practical solutions to real-world problems.
He urged India to move beyond adopting foreign technologies and strengthen its domestic capabilities in critical technologies to benefit the country and the global community.
Emphasising the importance of research and innovation, Modi highlighted the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and referred to the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation initiative announced previously. He also noted the growth in India’s annual patent filings, which have risen from fewer than 50,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh in the previous year.
This three-day conclave, held from October 27 to 29, brought together scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, startups, and international experts. The conference featured discussions on emerging technologies and India’s research priorities, focusing on 12 key thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, quantum technology, energy and space science.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s progress in the fields of nuclear energy, space technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. He emphasized that scientific advances should improve people’s lives, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, education and disaster resilience.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on participants to turn discussions at ESTIC 2026 into tangible outcomes by developing practical technologies that strengthen India’s self-reliance and contribute to global welfare.
(PIB)
