The Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026) will be held from October 27 to 29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together leading scientists, Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, policymakers, startups and industry representatives to strengthen India’s science and technology ecosystem.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced the dates while addressing the curtain raiser of the upcoming conclave. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day event on October 27.
The second edition of ESTIC will feature three Nobel laureates—Prof. Joachim Frank, Sir Richard J. Roberts and Prof. Kostya Novoselov—along with several internationally recognised scientists and award-winning speakers. The event is expected to provide a platform for interaction among researchers, innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, industries and government policymakers.
Focus on Connecting Research with Markets
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the rapidly changing nature of science and technology requires a broader ecosystem that combines scientific capabilities with expertise in areas such as management, communication, entrepreneurship and market development.
He stressed the need to overcome institutional silos and establish stronger connections between research institutions, startups, industries, markets and society. According to him, such integration can help convert scientific discoveries into technologies and innovations capable of generating wider economic and social benefits.
The theme of ESTIC-2026, “Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies,” highlights the role of imagination and creativity in advancing scientific innovation. Dr. Singh said an enabling ecosystem is equally important for transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Startup Ecosystem and Youth at the Centre
The Minister highlighted India’s remarkable expansion in entrepreneurship, noting that the country had only around 350–400 startups in 2014, while the number has now exceeded 2.3 lakh. India has consequently emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
He also pointed out that more than half of the country’s startups are now emerging from smaller towns rather than major metropolitan centres. This wider geographical spread, he said, demonstrates the growing reach of entrepreneurship and innovation and underlines the need to provide young innovators with greater access to experts, markets, business leaders and mentors.
Dr. Singh further called for increased awareness among aspiring entrepreneurs about startup registration, patents and other innovation-related procedures. He said simplifying access to such information could help promising innovators take their ideas from the conceptual stage towards commercialisation.
Twelve Thematic Areas and Technology Exhibition
ESTIC-2026 will feature plenary sessions, 12 thematic technical sessions, panel discussions, presentations by scientists and deep-tech startups, exhibitions, poster presentations and B2B and B2G meetings.
The thematic programme will cover emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy technologies, synthetic biology, ocean and maritime technologies, quantum communication, semiconductors, agri-tech, generative and autonomous artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced healthcare, immersive technologies and space science.
A technology-focused exhibition will showcase India’s growing startup and deep-tech capabilities. The exhibition will be open to the public from the second day of the conclave.
Whole-of-Government Approach
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay K. Sood said ESTIC-2026 builds on the first edition, which brought together 13 ministries, leading institutions, industry partners and more than 5,000 delegates. He described the conclave as an example of a whole-of-government approach aimed at connecting innovators, policymakers, institutions and industry around national priorities.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and Director General, CSIR, said CSIR is organising this edition, with CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, serving as the nodal laboratory. She said participation by 13 ministries would help improve coordination across India’s science, technology and innovation landscape.
Dr. Singh also called for ESTIC to have a lasting impact beyond its three-day schedule. He urged organisers to develop short- and long-term roadmaps based on the discussions and ensure that the outcomes of one edition contribute to subsequent editions.
ESTIC-2026 is being organised by CSIR under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, with CSIR-NIIST as the organising partner. Registration for the conclave is currently open and is scheduled to close on September 15, 2026.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
