PM Modi inaugurates ESTIC 2026, calls for innovations that benefit humanity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged India's scientists, researchers and young innovators to develop technologies that solve real-world problems, strengthen the country's self-reliance and benefit humanity, calling for measurable results over the next three years.Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said India had moved beyond an era when it largely followed technological advances made elsewhere and was now aiming to create new technologies and solutions to global challenges.Modi said India had moved beyond an era when it largely followed technological advances made elsewhere and was now aiming to create new technologies and solutions to global challenges. Experts, scientists and officials are seen at the inauguration of ESTIC 2026. (Photo: Screengrab) Held at Bharat Mandapam from October 27 to 29, ESTIC brings together scientists, policymakers, businesses, start-ups and young researchers. Its 12 thematic areas include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductors, energy, healthcare and space science. The conclave aims to strengthen collaboration between research and industry, helping turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions. Its theme is “Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies.”Modi cited India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of what innovation should be. He recalled when India developed its own vaccines, conducted a large-scale vaccination drive and supplied vaccines to other countries, as an example of this changing approach.“Science is successful when something from a lab improves everyday human life,” he said, stressing that scientific progress should be judged by the problems it solves and the number of lives it changes, rather than how advanced a technology is.#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the inauguration of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam (Source: DD) https://t.co/LcBDPf8lNb— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2026FROM NUCLEAR ENERGY TO SPACEModi highlighted India's achievements in space exploration, nuclear technology and artificial intelligence as examples of its growing scientific capabilities.He recalled India's Mars mission, which succeeded on its first attempt, and the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to land near the Moon's South Pole.On energy security, he pointed to the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, which achieved first criticality in April 2026, marking a significant step in India's nuclear energy programme.He also cited progress in space docking, indigenous rockets developed by private space companies, and advances in semiconductors.Modi also pointed to the brain research facility at IIT Madras that produces detailed three-dimensional images of the human brain, saying such technology could help researchers better understand diseases and support improved treatments.The Prime Minister urged participants to set clear goals for the next three years and ensure the conclave produces measurable results that strengthen India's independence and contribute to humanity.- Ends