Inauguration of the Conclave

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 today, welcoming scientists, innovators, academia, and dignitaries. This event marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to advancing its global standing in science and technology.

Celebrating Athletic Achievement

In his opening remarks, PM Modi celebrated India’s historic victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, which was the country’s first title in this category. He extended congratulations to the women’s cricket team, expressing that their achievement signifies national pride and an inspiration for youth across the nation.

Milestones in Science and Technology

The Prime Minister outlined India’s recent advancements, highlighting the successful launch of its heaviest communication satellite by indigenous scientists. He emphasized the crucial role of global collaboration in emerging science and technology, a vision realized through the establishment of this Conclave.

To promote a robust research culture, PM Modi announced the formation of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the launch of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, which has a substantial allocation of ₹1 lakh crore. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s research capabilities and support high-risk, high-impact projects.

Transforming the R&D Ecosystem

The Prime Minister emphasized reforms aimed at establishing a modern innovation ecosystem, including improvements in financial regulations and supply chain management to accelerate the transition of research from labs to the marketplace. He reported that R&D expenditure in India has doubled over the past decade, with a seventeenfold increase in registered patents, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

Opportunities in Emerging Domains

PM Modi underscored India’s initiatives in several sunrise sectors, including green hydrogen, quantum computing, and the bio-economy, which has burgeoned from $10 billion in 2014 to approximately $140 billion today. He stated, “When science is scaled, innovation becomes inclusive, and technology drives transformation.”

Encouraging Inclusivity in Innovation

The Prime Minister noted the increasing participation of women in science, stating that patent filings by women have surged from fewer than 100 annually to over 5,000, now constituting approximately 43% of STEM enrollments, surpassing the global average. He linked this progress to the success of initiatives like the Atal Tinkering Labs, which encourage experimentation among children and will see an expansion to an additional 25,000 labs.

Future Goals and Challenges

Shri Modi reiterated the need to transition from food security to nutrition security and posed critical questions regarding advancements in biofortified crops, soil health, and personalized medicine. He expressed confidence that the participants at the conclave would engage deeply in exploring these possibilities.

Commitment to Research and Ethical Technology

PM Modi affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting scientific research and stressed the importance of ethical considerations in technological development. He specifically cited the India AI Mission’s ambitious budget of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at fostering a globally recognized framework for human-centric AI.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister concluded his address by invoking the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan,” expressing hope that the conclave will yield valuable insights and strategies to elevate India’s innovation landscape. Dignitaries, including Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Nobel Laureate Sir Andre Geim, were present, enriching discussions revolving around 11 thematic areas critical to India’s future.