New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi,
marking what he described as a “big day in the world of science and technology.” The three-day event has drawn over 3,000 participants, including Nobel laureates, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, to discuss India’s future in science, innovation, and emerging technologies.
During his address, PM Modi also announced a massive ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, aimed at encouraging private investment in high-risk, high-impact research projects. The fund, he said, is designed to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by making capital available for experimental technologies that could drive large-scale change.
India is rapidly building a vibrant ecosystem for research and development. Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave in New Delhi. https://t.co/jIhdvjraIy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2025
PM Modi launches ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme
“Today is also a big day in the world of science and technology,” Modi said during the inaugural session. “In the twenty-first century, there was a great need for experts from around the world to come together to brainstorm on emerging science, technology, and innovation. This need gave birth to an idea. And from this idea, the vision of this conclave was formed.”
The Prime Minister described the ₹1 lakh crore fund as a tool to empower innovators and researchers. “This ₹1 lakh crore is for you. It is to increase your capabilities. It is to open new opportunities for you. Our effort is to promote research and development in the private sector as well,” he said. The government, he added, is providing capital for “high-risk and high-impact projects” for the first time.
The RDI Fund is expected to accelerate collaboration between academia, startups, and industry. It also aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and large-scale implementation, a challenge India has faced for decades in sectors such as semiconductors, energy, and biotechnology.
A new foundation for India’s innovation ecosystem
Modi also announced the creation of the Anusandhan Research Foundation, which will focus on strengthening research and innovation across universities. The foundation is expected to foster partnerships between students, researchers, and private enterprises.
Alongside the fund launch, the Prime Minister unveiled a vision document outlining India’s strategic roadmap for science and technology, as well as a coffee table book celebrating the nation’s recent scientific milestones.
He noted India’s growing stature as a technology leader, saying, “India is no longer just a consumer but a pioneer in technology-driven transformation.” Referring to the country’s pandemic response, Modi said, “During Covid, we developed an indigenous vaccine in record time. We launched the world’s largest vaccination program. It became possible because today we have the world’s first and most successful digital public infrastructure.”
ISRO’s satellite success and India’s scientific momentum
The Prime Minister also took a moment to congratulate Indian scientists for the successful launch of the GSAT-7R, the country’s heaviest communication satellite. “Yesterday, India also hoisted the flag in the world of science and technology,” he said. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the scientists involved in this mission, including ISRO.”
The GSAT-7R launch, coming just a day before the ESTIC event, was symbolic of the momentum building across India’s space and technology sectors.
Conclave brings global experts together
ESTIC 2025 features discussions across 11 key areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital communications, semiconductors, advanced materials, and space technologies. The conclave aims to build global partnerships and drive India’s ambitions to become a hub for scientific innovation.
In many ways, the RDI Fund represents India’s latest attempt to move beyond incremental progress and make bold bets on the future. The focus now shifts to how effectively this money can be channeled into research that delivers real-world impact.
