Key Details
The second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 27–29 October 2026.
Participation: Researchers, startups, industry, investors, public-sector enterprises, policymakers and academic institutions.
Government coordination: 13 ministries are participating, with CSIR organising the event under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser.
Technology coverage: 12 areas, including semiconductors, quantum communication, AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, synthetic biology, healthcare, energy, agri-tech, ocean technology and space.
Industry connections: Business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, startup presentations and a technology exhibition.
Research leadership: Three Nobel laureates—Joachim Frank, Richard J. Roberts and Kostya Novoselov—are among the announced participants.
Follow-through: Organising and scientific teams have been asked to prepare a roadmap with short- and long-term milestones.
Status: The release announces an event and signals priorities for research-industry collaboration; it does not approve a new programme, funding allocation or implementation framework.
ESTIC Brings a Fragmented Innovation System onto One Platform
The second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) will bring together 13 ministries, public laboratories, researchers, startups, businesses, investors and academic institutions in New Delhi from 27–29 October.
Its 12 themes cover fields including semiconductors, quantum communication, AI, robotics, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, energy, agriculture, oceans and space. Alongside scientific sessions, the programme includes startup presentations, a technology exhibition and meetings between businesses and government institutions.
The format is intended to connect scientific research with potential users, investors and commercial partners rather than operate only as an academic conference.
Smaller-City Startups Are a Stated Focus
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said that more than half of India’s startups now come from smaller cities. The release does not provide the underlying dataset, but the statement signals an effort to widen access to expertise, business networks and markets beyond major innovation centres.
The Minister also called for stronger involvement from management and communication institutions. This recognises that moving research into use requires business planning, intellectual-property support, market knowledge and effective communication alongside scientific capability.
A Roadmap Is Intended to Extend Work Beyond the Event
The organising and scientific teams have been asked to develop short- and long-term milestones from the conclave’s discussions, allowing one edition to inform the next.
This follow-through is the most important element beyond the event itself. The release does not yet specify who will approve the roadmap, when it will be published or how progress will be tracked. Clear responsibility and measurable outputs will determine whether ESTIC produces continuing research-industry collaboration or remains primarily an annual convening platform.
What Is ESTIC?
The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave is a cross-ministerial platform that brings together India’s public research system with startups, industry, investors and academia. Its intended role is to strengthen connections across the technology pathway—from scientific research and validation to entrepreneurship, market access and wider use.
CSIR is organising ESTIC 2026 under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, with CSIR-NIIST serving as the organising partner.
Policy Relevance
ESTIC can help address coordination gaps between public research, startups and markets. Its value will depend on what continues after the three-day event.
Define priority problems: The 12 themes should produce specific research, validation or commercialisation priorities.
Connect smaller-city startups: Participation support and follow-up networks can determine whether firms outside major innovation centres benefit.
Assign institutional ownership: Each agreed initiative needs a lead ministry, laboratory or industry partner.
Track outcomes: Progress should be measured through partnerships, technologies validated, procurement opportunities and market deployment—not attendance alone.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What mechanism will convert ESTIC’s research-industry discussions into funded projects, named institutional responsibilities and publicly trackable milestones after the conclave concludes?
Follow the Full Update Here: ESTIC 2026 Curtain-Raiser Announcement