The second Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 27 to 29, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day conclave, which is being coordinated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with participation from 13 ministries.
ESTIC and its format
ESTIC stands for Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave. The 2026 edition is the second such conclave and is planned as a three-day event in the national capital. The event portal of the India Trade Promotion Organisation lists a different schedule of October 26 to 28, 2026, while official government and CSIR announcements state October 27 to 29, 2026.
Theme and focus areas
The theme of ESTIC 2026 is “Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies”. The conclave will focus on 12 emerging-technology fields, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum communication, space technology, and agri-tech. The stated focus includes the movement of scientific research towards market-ready businesses.
Participants, coordination and submission process
The conclave will feature three Nobel Laureates, namely Prof. Joachim Frank, Sir Richard J. Roberts, and Prof. Kostya Novoselov. It will also include several international award-winning scientists. The event is being organised under the guidance of Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. Young researchers have until September 15, 2026, to submit abstracts for poster presentations, and the results are scheduled to be announced by September 25, 2026.
Important Facts for Exams
- CSIR stands for the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, which is one of India’s प्रमुख scientific organisations.
- Bharat Mandapam is a major convention venue in New Delhi used for large national and international events.
- Joachim Frank, Richard J. Roberts, and Kostya Novoselov are Nobel Laureates in science-related fields.
- India has about 2.3 lakh startups, and 50 to 60 per cent are stated to be coming from small towns.
Start-up link and science policy context
India’s startup ecosystem is linked with science, technology, and innovation policy through research commercialisation and technology transfer. The conclave’s theme and field list place emphasis on semiconductors, AI, robotics, quantum communication, space technology, and agri-tech.
