New Delhi: The second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) will highlight emerging technologies, including autonomous systems, physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, with a focus on translating scientific research into practical applications.
A curtain-raiser event for the conclave was organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at Technology Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday. The event highlighted the upcoming conclave’s key themes and its role in bringing together scientists, Nobel laureates, industry representatives, start-ups, entrepreneurs and young researchers.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog, who attended the event as Chief Guest, said the idea behind ESTIC originated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating a platform that brings together the wider science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
“This year’s theme on ‘Creative minds catalyzing science and empowering technology’ is really apt in the context of the creative minds working for scientific innovations and then converting them into technologies for serving the society,” Karandikar said.
He highlighted the growing significance of physical AI in the next phase of artificial intelligence development and called for discussions on future priorities under the cyber-physical systems mission.
DST Secretary Professor Umesh Waghmare said ESTIC 2026 would provide a platform for Indian and international scientists, Nobel laureates, technology companies, industry leaders, start-ups and researchers to exchange ideas and develop partnerships.
He said the conclave would contribute to strengthening India’s science and technology ecosystem in support of the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Focus on Real-World Applications of Emerging Technologies
Highlighting the potential of autonomous systems, physical AI and robotics, Waghmare said these technologies could support safer and more productive applications across sectors such as manufacturing, precision agriculture, healthcare and rehabilitation, logistics, infrastructure monitoring and disaster response.
He emphasised the need to develop technologies that are reliable, safe, affordable and suited to Indian conditions, ensuring that scientific advances translate into practical solutions for society.
Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, the Department of Science and Technology has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs to promote research, engineering and real-world applications.
These include TiHAN at IIT Hyderabad, IHFC at IIT Delhi and ARTPARK at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The hubs aim to connect research institutions with industry and facilitate the development and deployment of emerging technologies.
Waghmare also referred to the National Quantum Mission as an example of efforts to move scientific research towards practical applications through technology development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
ESTIC 2026 from October 27 to 29
The DST Secretary invited scientists, academic institutions, industry leaders, start-ups, investors and young innovators to participate in the conclave and collaborate on converting innovative ideas into deployable technologies.
The curtain-raiser programme featured a presentation on ESTIC 2026 by A. Dhanlakshmi, Joint Secretary, DST, followed by the screening of a promotional video. The conclave brochure was also soft-launched by Karandikar and Waghmare.
The event was organised in hybrid mode and attended by senior DST officials, scientists and representatives of the science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
[DD news]