Emerging Science Innovation Conclave Replaces Indian Science Congress
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will organise the first-ever Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November 2025. This event marks a major shift in India’s scientific gatherings. ESTIC may replace the Indian Science Congress, which has a long history but has recently lost prominence. The conclave aims to bring together top scientists, technologists and innovators from India and abroad to discuss cutting-edge research and breakthroughs.
Indian Science Congress
- The Indian Science Congress (ISC) was established before India’s independence.
- It was the oldest scientific congregation in the country.
- Traditionally held in January, it attracted the Prime Minister and Nobel Laureates.
- However, the event has faced challenges recently. The ISC was not held in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic.
- In 2023, the Prime Minister participated only virtually.
- In 2024 and 2025, the ISC was cancelled due to disagreements between DST and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).
- DST has withdrawn funding from ISCA.
India International Science Festival (IISF)
Since 2015, the government has supported the India International Science Festival (IISF). IISF is organised by various science departments and Vijnana Bharti, a science popularisation group linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. IISF focuses on popularising science among students and youth. It is more of a festival than a scientific forum. It lacks participation from international Nobel Laureates and does not usually have the Prime Minister’s physical presence, though he appears virtually.
Introduction of ESTIC
ESTIC will be held at Bharat Mandapam from 3 to 4 November 2025. It involves all science-related ministries, including atomic energy, space, and information technology. The event will feature 11 thematic technical sessions and 75 exhibition stalls by deep-tech start-ups. It aims to encourage dialogue on major themes in science, technology and innovation. Nobel Laureate Andre Geim, former French Space Agency head Jean-Yves Le Gall, and Professor Masaru Tomita from Japan are expected to attend.
Vision
ESTIC is designed to replace the traditional ISC with a modern platform. It seeks to showcase India’s scientific leadership and innovation capabilities. The Science Minister Jitendra Singh described ESTIC as a platform to ignite a new era of scientific leadership towards Viksit Bharat 2047. The conclave aims to promote deep-tech research and collaborative international engagement.
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