ESTIC 2025 kicks off with Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Scheme to boost India’s innovation | WATCH
New Delhi: The Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 kicked off at Bharat Mandapam on Monday, heralding a huge leap forward for India’s research and development ecosystem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conclave and also launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund to boost private sector-led innovation across the country.”
As part of the event, the Prime Minister also launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, designed to strengthen a private sector-driven research and innovation ecosystem across the country.
According to a Ministry of Science and Technology statement dated July 31, 2025, “The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore over 6 years, with Rs 20,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26, funded from the Consolidated Fund of India. It offers long-term low or zero-interest loans, equity investments and contributions to Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. Grants and short-term loans are not provided under this scheme.”
ESTIC 2025, running from November 3 to 5, gathers over 3,000 participants including scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and Nobel Laureates. The conclave covers 11 critical thematic areas, such as Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agriculture Technologies, Energy, Environment and Climate, Health and Medical Technologies, Quantum Science and Technology and Space Technologies.
The three-day event features keynote addresses, panel discussions, presentations and technology showcases, creating opportunities for collaboration among researchers, industry stakeholders and young innovators to reinforce India’s science and technology ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, "Today the world has begun to view us with respect and honour. I believe that one day historians will also analyse why we had to wait 70 years after independence for this joyous experience. Because this country never lacked talent."
He added, "Our scientists and researchers possessed talent and capability, and the will to work hard. They had dreams in their eyes and aspirations in their hearts, but perhaps lacked resources and a capable ecosystem. Remember the images of Vikram Sarabhai carrying some of his belongings on a bicycle…”
ANI