Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, signaling a three-day program from late October 27 to 29 that brings together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, startups, and international experts to discuss India’s STI priorities.

ESTIC 2026 will feature engagement tools such as thematic videos, demonstrations, documentaries, kiosks, and augmented/virtual reality experiences to showcase scientific progress and real-world applications.

The conference aims to strengthen self-reliance and human benefit by advancing innovations across twelve domains, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, energy, semiconductors, robotics, healthcare, immersive tech, agriculture, space science, advanced manufacturing, and synthetic biology.

Modi stressed that true science transcends research and must transform lives and reach the market to benefit society.

AI ethics and safety were addressed, with cautions about narrowing thinking and a call for scientists to validate AI-generated results, alongside emphasis on AI, quantum security, and cybersecurity for national security readiness.

Modi urged National Missions across semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics, space, clean energy, and next-generation communications, prioritizing safety and cybersecurity in AI, synthetic biology, and autonomous systems.

Modi underscored building secure, population-scale platforms and cautioned that AI should augment rather than replace independent scientific thinking.

He urged science to serve society by improving healthcare, agriculture, education, employment, and disaster resilience, citing wearable EEG technology, indigenous wireless and satellite communications, nutrition products, new semiconductors, and waste-to-value solutions.

Singh highlighted strengthening domestic capabilities in biotechnology, gene synthesis, systems biology, and nuclear medicine, noting reforms like the SHANTI Act to accelerate research and application.

The overarching message is to measure national progress by how well innovation benefits humanity and addresses real-world challenges.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized stronger links between research, startups, industry, markets, and society to accelerate translation of science into economic and social benefits.

Modi urged development of secure, population-scale digital platforms, digital stack, and indigenous 5G, with a ‘Solution at Scale’ approach to export domestic breakthroughs globally and expand leadership in critical technologies.