NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 on November 3 and launch a mega fund to promote private sector-driven research and development in the country, an official statement said on Sunday.
ESTIC is billed as a flagship event of the government in the field of science and technology, and will be held every year.
The three-day conclave will bring together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry and government, along with Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, innovators and policymakers, the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
In a major boost to the R&D ecosystem in the country, the prime minister will launch a Rs 1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. The scheme aims to promote a private sector-driven research and development ecosystem in the country, it said.
ESTIC will feature talks by leading scientists, panel discussions, presentations and technology showcases, providing a platform for collaboration among researchers, industry and young innovators to strengthen India's science and technology ecosystem.
Deliberations at the conclave will focus on 11 key thematic areas, including advanced materials and manufacturing, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing, blue economy, digital communications, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, emerging agriculture technologies, energy, environment and climate, health and medical technologies, quantum science and technology, and space technologies.