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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a ₹1 lakh fund on Monday to support private sector-led research and development investment as he launches the first Innovative Science and Technology Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 in the capital.
ESTIC has been described as the government’s flagship science and technology event and will be held annually.
The three-day conclave will bring together more than 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry and government along with Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, innovators and policy makers, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement on Sunday.
In a major boost to the country’s research and development ecosystem, the prime minister will launch a Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) program fund to support a private sector-led research and development framework, the statement said.
Held under the theme ‘Imagine, Innovate, Inspire’, the conclave aims to unite India’s innovation ecosystem, including policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, academia, startups and researchers.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said ESTIC will serve as a platform to “identify gaps, forge partnerships and co-create pathways that align science and technology with India’s development priorities”.
According to a PMO statement, the conclave will include talks by leading scientists, panel discussions, presentations and technology showcases that will foster collaboration between researchers, industry and young innovators to strengthen India’s science and technology ecosystem.
The talks will focus on 11 key thematic areas, advanced materials and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing, blue economy, digital communications, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, emerging agricultural technologies, energy, environment and climate, health and medical technology, quantum science and technology and space technology.
Dr. Singh also reviewed preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) to be held at Panjab University, Chandigarh from December 6 to 9. He said IISF 2025 will celebrate India’s scientific and technological progress across ministries, academia, industry and startups, reflecting the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Published – 02 Nov 2025 20:39 IST
