ESTIC 2026 to Spotlight Autonomous Systems, Physical AI and Robotics in India’s Technology Future

ESTIC 2026 will bring scientists, industry leaders and innovators together to explore autonomous systems, physical AI and robotics, advancing research, technological innovation and India’s development goals.

DST Holds Curtain-Raiser for ESTIC 2026

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) organised the curtain-raiser for the second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) on October 15, 2026, at Technology Bhawan. The event highlighted the growing significance of autonomous systems, physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in India’s science and technology landscape.

Organised around the theme “Creative Minds Catalysing Science and Empowering Technology”, ESTIC 2026 will bring together leading Indian and international scientists, Nobel laureates, industry representatives, technology companies, startups, entrepreneurs and young researchers.

The conclave aims to encourage collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen connections between scientific research and practical technological applications.

Experts Highlight the Potential of Physical AI and Robotics

Abhay Karandikar Emphasises Cyber-Physical Systems

NITI Aayog Member Professor Abhay Karandikar attended the curtain-raiser as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of using ESTIC 2026 to discuss the future of physical AI and the development of cyber-physical systems.

These systems integrate computing, communication and physical processes, enabling intelligent technologies to interact with the real world. Their development can support applications that require automation, real-time monitoring and coordinated decision-making.

Umesh Waghmare Highlights Practical Applications

DST Secretary Professor Umesh Waghmare underlined the potential of autonomous systems, physical AI and robotics to make industrial and public-service operations safer and more productive.

He identified several sectors where these technologies could offer practical benefits, including manufacturing, precision agriculture, healthcare, rehabilitation, logistics, infrastructure monitoring and disaster response.

The focus on real-world applications reflects the need to move beyond laboratory research and develop technologies that address practical challenges.

ESTIC 2026 to Support India’s Science and Innovation Ecosystem

The conclave is expected to provide a platform for researchers, businesses, startups and policymakers to exchange ideas and explore partnerships.

By bringing together participants from different scientific and industrial backgrounds, the event aims to encourage collaboration and help convert research findings into usable technologies.

The initiative also aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which seeks to strengthen India’s economic and technological capabilities over the coming decades.

Professor Waghmare stressed that new solutions should be reliable, safe and affordable while being designed to meet the needs and operating conditions of India. This approach is particularly important when developing technologies for agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors with diverse requirements.

Technology Innovation Hubs Connect Research with Real-World Applications

The Department of Science and Technology has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.

These hubs are intended to connect scientific research with engineering development, experimentation and practical deployment. They also provide a framework for collaboration among academic institutions, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry.

Notable examples include:

• TiHAN, IIT Hyderabad: Focuses on technology development in areas associated with autonomous navigation and unmanned systems.

• IHFC, IIT Delhi: Supports research and innovation in robotics and related technologies.

• ARTPARK, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Promotes research and innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics.

Such hubs can help researchers test ideas, develop prototypes and explore pathways for bringing new technologies into practical use.

National Quantum Mission Highlights Research-Led Technology Development

The National Quantum Mission was also highlighted during the curtain-raiser as an example of efforts to connect scientific research with technology development and entrepreneurship.

Quantum technologies have potential applications across areas such as computing, communications, sensing and measurement. Developing these capabilities requires sustained research, specialised infrastructure and collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

The mission illustrates the importance of building an ecosystem in which scientific discoveries can lead to technological advances, new business opportunities and practical applications.

ESTIC 2026 Preparations and Key Highlights

The curtain-raiser included a presentation on ESTIC 2026 by A. Dhanlakshmi, Joint Secretary in the Department of Science and Technology.

The programme also featured the screening of promotional videos and the launch of the conclave brochure, providing an overview of the event and its objectives.

These activities marked a step towards the main conclave, which is intended to bring together stakeholders from research, industry and government to discuss emerging scientific priorities and opportunities for innovation.

ESTIC 2026 Dates and Venue

The second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event is being organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, according to the information provided.

With its focus on emerging technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, the conclave is expected to encourage discussions on how India can strengthen its research capabilities and accelerate the development of advanced technological solutions.

Conclusion

ESTIC 2026 will focus attention on the role of autonomous systems, physical AI and robotics in shaping India’s technological future. By bringing scientists, industry leaders, startups and policymakers together, the conclave aims to strengthen collaboration between research and practical applications. Initiatives such as the Technology Innovation Hubs and National Quantum Mission further underline the importance of building indigenous capabilities to support innovation and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.