Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)
Overview
Event: 1st Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)
Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Replaces: Indian Science Congress (ISC) the oldest congregation of Indian scientists (last held in 2023).
Key Objectives Outlined
PM Modi urged scientists to focus on transformative innovation goals to address national priorities:
Theme | Focus Area |
Nutrition & Health | Move from food security → nutrition security; develop biofortified crops to combat malnutrition. |
Agriculture & Sustainability | Develop low-cost fertilizers to reduce import dependence and enhance soil health. |
Biotechnology & Genomics | Map India’s genomic biodiversity for personalised medicine and disease prevention. |
Clean Energy | Innovate in low-cost and efficient battery storage for renewable energy. |
Strategic Vision | Create a collective roadmap for sustainable scientific advancement. |
India’s R&D Progress
Indicator | Growth/Status |
R&D Expenditure | Doubled in the last decade. |
Patent Registration | Increased 17 times in the same period. |
Deep-tech Startups | Now 6,000+ (significant ecosystem growth). |
Research Funding Mechanism | ₹1 lakh crore fund operationalised under Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) to support both public and private R&D. |
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) Act, 2023
Enacted to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) as an apex body for strategic direction, coordination, and funding of scientific research in India.
Passed in 2023 to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations.
Repeals and subsumes: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Act, 2008.
Administrative Department: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Total Outlay: ₹50,000 crore (for 2023–2028).
Organisational Structure
Body | Head / Members | Key Role |
Governing Board | Chaired by Prime Minister of India | Apex policy body providing overall direction. |
Union Minister of Science & Tech and Education – Vice Presidents | ||
Principal Scientific Advisor – Member Secretary | ||
Secretaries of DST, DBT, DSIR, and NITI Aayog member (Science & Tech) | ||
Representatives from business, social sciences, humanities, and industry | ||
Executive Council | Headed by Principal Scientific Advisor | Implements Governing Board’s policies, examines funding proposals, manages accounts. |
Key Themes of ESTIC 2025
Quantum Science & Technologies
Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Energy, Environment & Climate Innovations
Significance
Marks a new institutional shift in India’s scientific ecosystem.
Aims to make science goal-oriented, collaborative, and innovation-driven.
Strengthens India’s push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-tech sectors.
Repositions India globally as a leader in science-led sustainable growth.
Comparison: SERB vs. NRF
Feature | SERB (2008) | NRF (2023) |
Nature | Grant-disbursing agency | Apex strategic body |
Focus | Science & Engineering | Science + Tech + Social Sciences + Humanities |
Private Sector Role | Minimal | Active participation |
Vision | Support individual research | National-level research ecosystem reform |
Administrative Dept. | DST | DST |
About Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)
Purpose: To advance and promote science in India, holding an annual congress and publishing scientific work.
History: Founded in 1914 by British chemists Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon.
Indian Science Congress Association[1] (ISCA) is a premier scientific organisation of India with headquarters at Kolkata, West Bengal. The association started in the year 1914 in Calcutta and it meets annually in the first week of January. It has a membership of more than 30,000 scientists.
The first Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta.
The last Indian Science Congress was the 108th edition, held from January 3–7, 2023, in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. With reference to the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) held in 2025, consider the following statements:
It replaced the Indian Science Congress as India’s premier annual science conclave.
It is organised jointly by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and NITI Aayog.
One of its key mandates is to develop a national roadmap for biofortified crops to tackle hidden hunger.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: B (1 and 3 only)
Explanation:
(1) ✅ Correct — ESTIC replaces the Indian Science Congress, marking a shift to mission-oriented scientific dialogue.
(2) ❌ Not specifically under NITI Aayog; the conclave involves coordination among scientific ministries, Department of Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Atomic Energy, etc.
(3) ✅ Correct — PM Modi explicitly called for biofortified crop development to move from food to nutrition security.
Q. With reference to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), consider the following statements:
The NRF was established under the Department of Education.
It subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established in 2008.
The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of its Governing Board.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the administrative department of NRF, not the Department of Education.
It subsumed the SERB (2008).
The Prime Minister is the Chairperson, and Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education are Vice Presidents.
Q. Which of the following statements correctly reflects India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)?
(a) India’s GERD is around 0.7% of GDP, lower than the global average of 2%.
(b) India’s GERD is around 2% of GDP, equal to global standards.
(c) Private sector contributes over 70% to India’s GERD.
(d) The majority of GERD in India is contributed by foreign agencies.
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
India’s GERD ~0.7% of GDP, compared to the global benchmark of 2%.
Around 52% of R&D funding in India comes from the government, showing limited private participation.
