Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that India is the world’s third largest startup ecosystem with more than 2.3 lakh startups. The Minister today launched the curtain raiser for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi. He said more than fifty percent of Startups are now coming from small towns and not metros which reflects the widening reach of entrepreneurship and innovation across the country. The Minister said that the government has adopted the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approach to accelerate growth in science, technology and innovation.
Dr. Singh said that ESTIC was conceived last year as part of a new approach to bring together multiple components of the science and technology ecosystem on a common platform rather than having several fragmented events throughout the year. Dr Singh said the Conclave provides an opportunity for closer interaction among researchers, innovators, Startups, entrepreneurs, industry and policymakers, with the objective of creating a more integrated ecosystem for science and technology. He stressed that science today cannot remain confined to scientists alone. The Minister said communication, management and market expertise are equally important to make scientific research successful, sustainable and commercially viable. The Minister said future editions of ESTIC could bring in management and communication institutions more extensively. Management expertise can help Startups and potential entrepreneurs develop strategies for market access, while communication expertise can help take scientific achievements to young people and wider sections of society through the language and mediums they understand.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government Ajay Kumar Sood said that the Conclave embodies a whole-of-government approach and brings together young innovators, policymakers, institutions and industry around a common national vision, with 12 thematic areas covering important emerging opportunities for India.
The three-day Conclave will feature plenary talks, 12 thematic technical sessions, panel discussions, presentations by science and technology leaders and deep-tech Startups, exhibitions, poster presentations and B2B-B2G connect meetings. It will also feature a technology-oriented exhibition showcasing India’s emerging startup and deep-tech ecosystem, which will be open to the public from the second day. The three-day conclave will be held from 27th to 29th of next month this year at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
