Overview
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi , on November 3, 2025 . During the event, he launched a ₹1 lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund aimed at boosting India’s private-sector R&D ecosystem. He also announced the creation of the Anusandhan Research Foundation to strengthen academic and industrial research collaboration.
Purpose of the RDI Fund
- The RDI Fund is designed to support high-risk, high-impact research projects that face funding challenges. It will help de-risk early-stage innovation , attract private investment , and promote commercialisation of indigenous technologies . The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between lab research and market deployment , with special attention to deep-tech, hardware, and frontier science sectors .
Anusandhan Research Foundation: Strengthening Academia-Industry Links
- The newly announced Anusandhan Research Foundation will manage competitive grants, fellowships, and Centres of Excellence to enhance collaboration between universities, startups, and industries . It aims to boost intellectual property generation , encourage translational research , and ensure that scientific breakthroughs scale into domestic manufacturing .
ESTIC 2025: Key Themes and Participants
The three-day ESTIC 2025 brought together over 3,000 delegates , including Nobel laureates, scientists, and industry leaders . Discussions covered 11 major themes , such as:
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Artificial Intelligence
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Semiconductors and Electronics
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Quantum Science and Technology
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Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
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Energy and Climate Technology
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Space and Digital Communications
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Health and Medical Technologies
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Bio-Manufacturing
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Emerging Agriculture Technologies
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Blue Economy
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Environment and Sustainability
A Vision Document and a Coffee Table Book on India’s scientific achievements were also released.
Strategic Significance
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing role as a global technology hub , referencing achievements like pandemic-era vaccine delivery through digital public infrastructure and the successful GSAT-7R satellite launch . The initiative marks a policy shift from consumption-driven tech growth to research-led innovation , reinforcing India’s ambitions in deep-tech, resilient supply chains, and strategic technologies .
Exam-Oriented Facts
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Event: Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025
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Date & Venue: November 3, 2025, Bharat
Month: Current Affairs - November 03, 2025
Category: Science & Technology