New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 22nd Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) at Bharat Mandapam today, unveiling a landmark Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme aimed at positioning India as a global leader in cutting-edge science and technology.
Addressing over 3,000 participants from academia, industry, government, and research institutions—including Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists—Modi declared, “Today is a landmark day for science and technology in India.”
He called upon global experts to collaborate in tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges through innovation.
Reflecting on recent milestones, Modi praised India’s successful launch of its heaviest communication satellite and celebrated the historic victory of the Indian women’s cricket team at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
“Our young athletes and scientists alike are scripting extraordinary chapters of pride for our nation,” he remarked.
Highlighting key government initiatives, Modi mentioned the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Skill India Mission, and National Career Service platform that empower millions of youth with skills and opportunities.
“For the first time, capital is being made available for high-risk, high-impact projects,” he said, underscoring the ambitious RDI scheme’s aim to catalyze private-sector-led research.
Modi also spotlighted the increasing participation of women in STEM fields, noting that annual patent filings by women have surged from fewer than 100 a decade ago to over 5,000 today. “Indian women scientists receive global recognition, a testament to the progress we have made,” he said.
Emphasizing ethical and inclusive innovation, Modi detailed the India AI Mission, which involves an investment of over Rs10,000 crore to develop a human-centric governance framework for artificial intelligence. He announced that India will host the Global AI Summit in February 2026 to accelerate these efforts.
The conclave covers critical themes such as advanced materials, bio-manufacturing, blue economy, digital communications, quantum science, and space technologies, fostering collaboration among scientists, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Invoking the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan,” Modi expressed hope that ESTIC 2025 will propel India’s innovation journey to new heights and reaffirm its role as a pioneer of technological transformation.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Nobel Laureate Sir Andre Geim, and other dignitaries attended the event, marking a significant chapter in India’s march toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse.
