ESTIC 2026 closes with call for measurable science targets for the next three years

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 ended at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 29 October with a call from Science Minister Jitendra Singh to set clear, measurable science targets for the next three years.

Singh said India's research and innovation should increasingly be judged by what it delivers for national development, rather than by discoveries alone.

Two documents released

Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay K. Sood presented two documents:

• The National Vision Document for ESTIC 2026, which brings together the long-term science and technology priorities of 12 ministries and departments across 12 thematic areas.
• India: Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2026, an evidence-based account of India's research ecosystem, meant to support policy-making. It is to be updated every year.

What the minister stressed

• Research priorities built on indigenous resources, methods and technologies.
• Training scientists to run institutions, not just laboratories.
• Planning ahead for needs such as space medicine as human spaceflight missions grow longer, and wider use of nuclear science in medicine.
• The strategic importance of ocean science and the blue economy, and affordable nutrition.

Sood said research must move from discoveries to solutions for real-world problems. Sessions on advanced manufacturing and ocean science presented their recommendations, including closer ties between laboratories and industry.

Singh also congratulated the startup award winners at the session.

Photos

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Science & Technology, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (29 OCT 2026 7:13PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: ‘ESTIC 2026’ Concludes with a call by Dr Jitendra Singh for transformation through technology;.