PM Modi Urges India to Lead Global Innovation and Develop Emerging Technologies at ESTIC Conclave

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to lead global technological innovation, strengthen scientific research, advance critical technologies and turn laboratory discoveries into solutions for everyday challenges.

PM Modi Urges India to Lead Global Innovation and Develop Emerging Technologies at ESTIC Conclave

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India to embrace emerging technologies, strengthen scientific research and become a global leader in developing the technologies of the future. Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in New Delhi, he said that innovation and scientific advancement would play a central role in building a developed India.

PM Modi Emphasises Innovation for Viksit Bharat

Speaking at the three-day conclave, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of bold thinking, scientific discoveries and sustained research in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

He said India should not simply adopt technologies developed elsewhere but should also create solutions that can benefit the country and the wider world. According to him, India's progress in the 21st century reflects a changing mindset and growing confidence in its scientific and technological capabilities.

Modi stressed that the country's ambition should extend to developing technologies that address present-day needs while preparing for future challenges.

India Advances Fast Breeder Reactor Technology

The Prime Minister highlighted India's progress in advanced nuclear technology, particularly its Fast Breeder Reactor programme.

He noted that the 500-megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor had achieved first criticality a few months earlier. This milestone marked an important development in India's efforts to advance its nuclear technology capabilities.

The government has been working to strengthen domestic expertise in strategic and critical technologies as part of its broader goal of technological self-reliance.

Scientific Research Must Benefit Ordinary Citizens

Modi said scientific achievements become meaningful when they improve people's lives and address practical challenges. He called for research institutions to focus on solutions that can strengthen essential sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, employment and disaster management.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications. Turning scientific discoveries into usable products and services, he indicated, would help improve public welfare and support economic development.

This approach places greater emphasis on translating research into technologies that can be deployed at scale.

Government and Private Sector Support Technology Commercialisation

The Prime Minister highlighted investments aimed at helping research-based technologies reach the market. He said the government had committed ₹12,000 crore over the past year for market-ready laboratory technologies, with private investors contributing an equivalent amount.

Such collaboration between the public and private sectors can help accelerate the commercialisation of research, support innovation-driven businesses and bring new technologies to consumers and industries.

The initiative reflects the importance of investment and partnerships in converting scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions.

Patent Filings Reflect India's Growing Innovation Activity

Modi also pointed to the substantial increase in India's annual patent filings. According to him, filings have risen from fewer than 50,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh in the previous year.

He described the increase as evidence of a broader shift in India's innovation landscape rather than merely a rise in numerical indicators.

Growing patent activity can reflect stronger research engagement and the development of new ideas across industries. Continued progress will depend on supporting researchers, strengthening intellectual property awareness and helping innovations move from development to practical use.

Jitendra Singh Highlights India's Global Scientific Standing

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said India had established a strong position in science, innovation and technological development.

He noted that the international gathering had attracted enthusiastic participation from thousands of experts and delegates. Their presence, he said, reflected the global attention being directed towards India's scientific capabilities and innovation ecosystem.

The conclave provides a platform for researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and international specialists to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Deep-Tech Startups Showcase Emerging Solutions

During the event, Modi visited different sections of the exhibition and interacted with participants. The exhibition features around 150 stalls showcasing deep-tech startups and their technological developments.

These displays highlight potential applications across multiple sectors and demonstrate how new businesses are contributing to India's innovation ecosystem.

The participation of startups also underlines the role of entrepreneurship in developing emerging technologies, commercialising research and creating solutions for industrial and societal needs.

ESTIC Conclave Focuses on 12 Technology Themes

The three-day ESTIC Conclave brings together scientists, researchers, academics, policymakers, industry leaders, startups and international experts to discuss India's science and technology priorities.

Its deliberations cover 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, climate science and ocean sciences.

Discussions are focused on identifying research priorities, strengthening national technological capabilities and ensuring that scientific advances lead to practical applications.

Conclusion

The ESTIC Conclave highlights India's ambition to strengthen research, promote innovation and develop critical technologies domestically. With increased investment, rising patent activity and participation from deep-tech startups, the country is seeking to turn scientific progress into practical benefits. As emphasised by Prime Minister Modi, achieving Viksit Bharat will require India not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to create solutions that can shape the future globally.