PM to Inaugurate ESTIC 2026 in New Delhi

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 is scheduled for October 27–29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day event on October 27 at 5:30 pm. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is organising the conclave with support from 13 government ministries. Its theme is “Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies”.

Science and Innovation Ecosystem

CSIR is an autonomous research and development organisation under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Established in 1942, it operates a network of national laboratories and research institutions in India. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), which held ESTIC’s curtain-raiser on October 15, 2026, is another department under the Ministry of Science and Technology. ESTIC 2026 deliberations will cover 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials and ocean sciences. Artificial intelligence concerns computer systems performing tasks associated with human intelligence. Biotechnology applies biological systems and organisms to develop products and processes. Advanced materials are engineered materials designed for specific properties, while ocean sciences include the study of marine environments and processes.

Research and Innovation at the Conclave

Three Nobel laureates are among the participating scientists: Joachim Frank, Richard J. Roberts and Kostya Novoselov. Frank shared the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing cryo-electron microscopy. Roberts shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of split genes. Novoselov shared the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for experiments on graphene. The technology and innovation exhibition will feature around 150 deep-tech startup stalls. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will display emerging technologies, including its Chandrayaan 4 and Chandrayaan 5 projects. Chandrayaan-4 is a planned lunar sample-return mission, while Chandrayaan-5 is associated with the India–Japan Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission.

International Research Partnerships

The Global Connect Networking Event will bring together more than 300 participants from academia, research institutions and industry. The conclave’s stated aim is to strengthen India’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Important Facts for Exams:

• CSIR was established in 1942 and functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2017 recognised work on cryo-electron microscopy.
• Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.
• LUPEX is a planned lunar polar exploration mission involving ISRO and Japan’s JAXA