Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The landmark initiative aims to build a private sector–driven research and innovation ecosystem and accelerate India’s transformation into a global science and technology hub.
Welcoming scientists, innovators, academics, and global experts, the Prime Minister said the conclave represents a new chapter in India’s scientific journey, uniting stakeholders to shape the country’s technological future.
Opening his address, PM Modi congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup victory, calling it a proud moment that would inspire young Indians across the nation. He also commended Indian scientists for the successful launch of ISRO’s heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS-03), describing it as a testament to India’s growing scientific excellence.
The Prime Minister noted that ESTIC 2025 was conceived to encourage global collaboration in emerging science and technology. “In the 21st century, the pace of change is exponential. To navigate this transformation, experts from around the world must come together to provide direction and vision,” he said.
Announcing the launch of the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme, PM Modi said the initiative would support high-risk, high-impact projects and strengthen R&D collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
“For the first time, capital is being made available for high-risk and high-impact projects. India is working to build a modern innovation ecosystem and improve the ease of doing research,” he said, adding that several reforms have been introduced in financial rules, procurement policies, and regulatory frameworks to help prototypes move swiftly from lab to market.
He highlighted that India’s R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade, patent registrations have increased 17-fold, and the country now ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 6,000 deep-tech startups engaged in clean energy, advanced materials, and emerging technologies.
PM Modi emphasised that India’s journey from being a consumer of technology to a pioneer of innovation demonstrates the transformative power of science. Recalling the indigenous development of the COVID-19 vaccine and the world’s largest vaccination drive, he attributed India’s success to its Digital Public Infrastructure and widespread digital connectivity across rural areas.
He also underlined the importance of inclusive innovation, highlighting the growing participation of women in science and technology. “A decade ago, fewer than 100 patents were filed annually by women. Today, that number exceeds 5,000. Women now make up about 43% of STEM enrolments in India, higher than the global average,” he said.
To nurture young talent, PM Modi announced the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs—from 10,000 existing labs to 25,000 new ones—to inspire curiosity and experimentation among students. He also revealed that 10,000 new Prime Minister’s Research Fellowships will be awarded over the next five years to boost research among young scientists.
He further highlighted that seven new IITs and sixteen IIITs have been established in recent years, and under the National Education Policy, STEM courses can now be pursued in local languages to broaden access to technical education.
Touching upon Artificial Intelligence, PM Modi said India is committed to developing ethical and human-centric AI through the India AI Mission, which carries an investment of over ₹10,000 crore. He announced that India will host the Global AI Summit in February 2026 to strengthen global cooperation on safe and inclusive AI governance.
“India is shaping a global framework for ethical and human-centric AI. Our upcoming AI Governance Framework will ensure innovation and safety go hand in hand,” he stated.
Calling for a shift from food security to nutrition security, PM Modi urged scientists to focus on biofortified crops, clean energy storage, genomic mapping, and soil health innovations. He stressed the need to identify areas where India remains dependent on imports and achieve self-reliance in critical technologies and materials.
Expressing confidence in India’s scientific community, he said, “Those working in science and technology must go beyond the questions I pose today and explore new possibilities. The government stands ready to support and fund bold ideas that can shape our future.”
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister invoked the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, expressing hope that the Conclave would create a collective roadmap to take India’s innovation journey to new heights.
The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, being held from November 3–5, brings together over 3,000 participants, including Nobel Laureates, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Discussions will focus on 11 thematic areas, such as AI, quantum technologies, green energy, bio-manufacturing, advanced materials, and space technologies.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, and Nobel Laureate Sir Andre Geim were among the dignitaries present at the event.