The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, hosted a curtain raiser event for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, highlighting the potential of systems and synthetic biology to advance biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture and sustainable development.
The event brought together scientists, policymakers and biotechnology experts to discuss emerging research areas and their role in strengthening India’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sonti outlined the significance of ESTIC 2026, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 27 to 29. He said the Department of Biotechnology would lead a dedicated session on systems and synthetic biology, highlighting the opportunities these emerging disciplines offer for scientific advancement.
Systems biology focuses on understanding how different components of biological systems interact, while synthetic biology involves designing or modifying biological systems for specific applications. Together, these fields have potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology and sustainable development.
Dr. Dhananjay Kumar Tiwary highlighted the potential of systems and synthetic biology in healthcare, biomanufacturing and biodesign. He also emphasised the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating biological research and underlined the opportunities offered by the BioE3 Policy for India’s biotechnology sector.
In his address, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale stressed the importance of translating scientific discoveries into practical and scalable solutions. Referring to the discovery and large-scale production of penicillin, he noted that scientific breakthroughs achieve their wider societal impact when they are developed into accessible applications.
He highlighted the growing role of biology as a platform for innovation and called for stronger research, development and scale-up capabilities to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into real-world applications.
Chief Guest Prof. Gobardhan Das highlighted India’s growing scientific capabilities and the potential of biotechnology to support national development, strengthen the innovation ecosystem and address emerging global challenges.
Referring to the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he emphasised the importance of science and biotechnology in shaping India’s future. Citing the development of COVID-19 vaccines, he underscored how fundamental biological research can lead to life-saving innovations and help address major public health challenges.
The curtain raiser event set the stage for discussions on emerging scientific disciplines and their contribution to India’s research and innovation priorities.
ESTIC 2026 to Focus on 12 Thematic Areas
The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 is a national platform organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Scheduled from October 27 to 29 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the conclave will bring together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and deep-tech innovators to showcase scientific advances, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the translation of research into practical technologies.
The event will cover 12 thematic areas, including systems and synthetic biology, advanced manufacturing, energy technologies, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced healthcare.
ESTIC 2026 aims to strengthen India’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
-PIB
