ESTIC 2026 Curtain-Raiser Highlights Physical AI, Robotics

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) held the curtain-raiser for the second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) at Technology Bhawan, New Delhi, on 15 October 2026. The conclave itself, India's flagship science, technology and innovations gathering, will run from 27 to 29 October at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and this edition is being organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The theme is Creative minds catalyzing science and empowering technology.

One of twelve thematic areas

The event put the spotlight on Autonomous Systems, Physical AI and Robotics, which is one of the 12 thematic areas of the conclave, and on the dignitaries and Nobel laureates the three days will bring together.

Who spoke

The Chief Guest, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog, said the idea of ESTIC had come from the Prime Minister, who wanted one forum for the whole science, technology and innovation ecosystem, and that this year's theme suited the creative minds turning scientific work into technology for society. Physical AI, he said, will be the next stage in the growth of artificial intelligence, and the conclave should be used to think through the next edition of the cyber-physical mission.

DST Secretary Professor Umesh Waghmare said ESTIC 2026 will gather Indian and foreign scientists, Nobel laureates, industry representatives, technology companies, start-ups, entrepreneurs and young researchers to trade ideas and build partnerships in support of Viksit Bharat 2047. Autonomous systems, physical AI and robotics, he said, can make work safer and more productive in manufacturing, precision agriculture, health care and rehabilitation, logistics, infrastructure monitoring and disaster response, and the technologies built must be reliable, safe, affordable and suited to conditions in India.

The hubs behind the theme

Professor Waghmare said the National Quantum Mission carries the same intent of moving research towards use through technology development, translation and entrepreneurship. The programme, held in hybrid mode, featured a presentation on the conclave by Ms A. Dhanlakshmi, Joint Secretary in DST, the screening of promotional videos and a soft launch of the ESTIC brochure by Professor Karandikar and Professor Waghmare.