Fri Sep 05 17:19:54 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is launching the inaugural Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November, potentially replacing the long-standing Indian Science Congress. This move signals a shift in the government’s approach to science and technology gatherings, with ESTIC aiming to be a forum for deeper discussions among scientists and technologists. While the Indian Science Congress has seen declining engagement and recent cancellations due to disputes, ESTIC promises high-profile participation, including Nobel Laureates and foreign dignitaries, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend. This new conclave is positioned as a platform to showcase cutting-edge research and drive India towards scientific leadership by 2047.
**News Article:**
**New Science Conclave Could Signal End for Indian Science Congress**
**NEW DELHI – September 5, 2025** – The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is preparing to launch the first-ever Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November, raising questions about the future of the Indian Science Congress, the country’s oldest scientific gathering.
While DST officials have remained tight-lipped about the Congress’ fate, a senior source told The Hindu that ESTIC could be viewed as a direct replacement. The Indian Science Congress, which boasts a history stretching back before Indian independence, has faced dwindling interest in recent years, with the 2024 and 2025 editions cancelled due to disagreements between the DST and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA). The DST has also stated it would no longer fund ISCA.
The new ESTIC event, scheduled for November 3-4 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, aims to be a more focused forum for scientists and technologists to engage in substantive discussions on innovation and research. It will involve all science-related ministries and feature thematic technical sessions and exhibitions by deep-tech startups.
ETIC promises a high-profile line-up, including Nobel Laureate Andre Geim and former president of the French Space Agency, Jean-Yves Le Gall. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to be present at the inaugural session, marking a contrast to his limited participation in the India International Science Festival (IISF) a science fair considered more of a ‘Mela’.
Science Minister Jitendra Singh has stated that ESTIC will “showcase cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions, igniting a new era of scientific leadership towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The launch of ESTIC raises serious questions about the future of the Indian Science Congress, potentially signaling a shift in the government’s strategy for fostering scientific collaboration and innovation within the country. The DST has yet to officially comment on the future of the congress.
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