ESTIC 2026 inaugurated by PM Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Why in the news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026, and listed India’s recent gains in research and technology.
Key facts
- R&D funding: the government gave ₹12,000 crore for lab technologies ready for the market, and private players invested another ₹12,000 crore in the past year – a combined ₹24,000 crore.
- He recalled the ₹1 lakh crore commitment for research, development and innovation through the National Research Foundation.
- Patents: yearly filings grew from below 50,000 roughly ten years ago to about 1.5 lakh last year.
- Nuclear: the indigenous 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor reached first criticality a few months ago.
- Space: a startup’s Made-in-India rocket put a satellite in orbit on its first attempt; India gained satellite docking capability this year.
- He asked researchers, industry and students to set a concrete three-year goal.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Government funding (market-ready lab tech) | ₹12,000 crore |
| Private investment (past year) | ₹12,000 crore |
| Total | ₹24,000 crore |
| Patent filings, about 10 years ago | Under 50,000 |
| Patent filings, last year | About 1.5 lakh |
About ESTIC 2026
ESTIC 2026 gathers scientists, policymakers, industry, startups and young researchers. At a session on systems and synthetic biology, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, said India’s genetic and phenotypic diversity could make it a key source for global gene research. He stressed building domestic gene synthesis capacity to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and noted that the Shanti Act allows private participation in nuclear medicine research.
Exam angle
- ESTIC 2026 venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor capacity: 500 MW.
- Patent filings: about 1.5 lakh in the latest year.