Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in India’s push towards scientific and technological leadership. The mega event, attended by over 3,000 experts from cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, clean energy, and health innovation, served as the launchpad for the landmark Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme.
Unveiling the ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme
At the heart of the conclave was the introduction of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, a game-changing initiative that aims to revolutionize India’s science and tech landscape by significantly boosting private sector participation in R&D. The scheme offers low-interest loans and equity support with attractive financial terms designed to spur high-impact innovation in strategic sectors like clean energy, biotechnology, medical technology, advanced materials, and agri-tech.
With this initiative, the government seeks to attract both established and emerging companies to undertake ambitious research projects, foster collaboration between industry and academia, and build large-scale intellectual property (IP) that can compete globally.
Aiming for R&D-Driven Leadership by 2047
Senior officials at the event emphasized that India’s current private-sector R&D spending, which stands at around 0.7% of GDP, needs a major boost to build a global innovation powerhouse. The RDI scheme is part of the broader national vision to make India a top destination for next-gen research and patentable innovations by 2047, when the nation celebrates 100 years of independence.
Expert Participation and Knowledge Exchange
The ESTIC 2025 Conclave gathered distinguished scientists, policymakers, startup founders, and tech leaders from across the globe, with discussions spanning quantum computing, space technologies, green hydrogen, telemedicine, and AI-driven governance. The conclave also showcased emerging Indian startups and public-private partnerships working toward achieving technological self-reliance and sustainable development.
A Strategic Shift in India’s Innovation Model
In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of shifting from government-dominated research to a “collaborative innovation ecosystem”, where industry, academia, and startups join forces. He emphasized that India’s demographic advantage, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial energy place the country in a unique position to lead the next wave of global innovations, particularly in areas that directly impact human development and planetary health.
As the ESTIC 2025 Conclave sets the stage for long-term research transformation, the new RDI scheme promises to accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global “Vishwa Guru” in science and technology.
