ESTIC 2026: Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave
Why in News?
The second Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 27 to 29 October 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day conclave. The event is being coordinated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with participation from 13 ministries.
What is ESTIC?
ESTIC stands for Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave.
The 2026 edition is the second edition of the conclave. It aims to bring together scientists, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders.
The conclave seeks to strengthen the connection between scientific research, technological development and market-ready businesses.
CSIR is India’s major industrial research organisation under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It operates a network of multidisciplinary research institutes and works closely with industry and government.
Theme of ESTIC 2026
The theme of ESTIC 2026 is:
“Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies”
The conclave will focus on 12 emerging technology fields.
Major areas include:
- Semiconductors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics
- Quantum communication
- Space technology
- Agri-tech
- Other emerging and strategic technologies
The emphasis is on converting scientific discoveries into technologies, products and commercially viable enterprises.
Nobel Laureates at ESTIC 2026
Three Nobel Laureates are scheduled to participate in the conclave:
- Prof. Joachim Frank
- Sir Richard J. Roberts
- Prof. Kostya Novoselov
The event will also feature international award-winning scientists and researchers.
The conclave is being organised under the guidance of Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood.
Young Researchers and Poster Presentations
ESTIC 2026 also provides a platform for young researchers.
Researchers can submit abstracts for poster presentations. The last date for abstract submission is 15 September 2026.
The results are scheduled to be announced by 25 September 2026.
This component aims to encourage young scientific talent and promote interaction between researchers and industry.
Science, Start-ups and Innovation
A major objective of ESTIC is to strengthen India’s science-to-market ecosystem.
The initiative is relevant to India’s expanding start-up ecosystem and efforts to commercialise indigenous technologies.
CSIR’s current mission-mode projects similarly focus on designing, developing and deploying technologies with support from stakeholders and industry.
This approach can help reduce the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications.
Importance of ESTIC 2026
ESTIC 2026 can strengthen collaboration among government, academia, research institutions, start-ups and industry.
Its focus on emerging technologies is particularly important for India’s technological self-reliance and innovation-led economic growth.
The conclave also provides an international platform for showcasing India’s scientific capabilities and developing partnerships in strategic technology areas.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave |
| Abbreviation | ESTIC |
| Edition | Second |
| Year | 2026 |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi |
| Dates | 27–29 October 2026 |
| Theme | Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies |
| Coordinating organisation | CSIR |
| Participating ministries | 13 |
| Nobel Laureates | Joachim Frank, Richard J. Roberts, Kostya Novoselov |
| Key focus | Emerging technologies and science-to-market transition |
| Poster abstract deadline | 15 September 2026 |
