India's commitment to advancing its scientific and technological capabilities has been prominently displayed over the last few days, with major policy initiatives, significant research breakthroughs, and strengthened international partnerships. The recently concluded Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), held from November 3 to 5, 2025, served as a pivotal platform for these developments.
Major Policy Boost for R&D
A landmark announcement at ESTIC 2025 was the launch of the ā¹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ambitious scheme aims to stimulate a private sector-driven research and development ecosystem across the country, fostering innovation and technological progress. The conclave, envisioned as India's premier annual flagship platform for scientific collaboration, brought together over 3,000 participants, including Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, and policymakers.
Quantum Computing and Communication Breakthroughs
In a significant stride for India's quantum capabilities, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru has successfully developed India's first six-qubit photonic quantum system. This pioneering achievement utilizes light-based qubits and deterministic quantum gates, positioning India firmly in the global quantum technology race. Simultaneously, QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based quantum technology startup supported by the Department of Science and Technology, successfully demonstrated India's first large-scale Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. This development marks a major step towards quantum-secure communication and enhances India's preparedness against emerging cyber threats.
Strengthening International Collaborations
India is also actively expanding its global scientific footprint. In a meeting in Delhi, India and Luxembourg reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and space exploration. Discussions between Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and the Ambassador of Luxembourg explored avenues to promote Indian Space Startups in European markets, highlighting India's emergence as a global leader in science and innovation. This collaboration builds on previous engagements, including the launch of two Luxembourg satellites on the PSLV rocket.
Deep-Tech Innovations and Future Vision
The ESTIC 2025 conclave featured extensive deliberations on 11 key thematic areas, including advanced materials, artificial intelligence, bio-manufacturing, quantum science and technology, and space technologies. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized India's significant deep-tech potential, particularly showcased at PitchX @ ESTIC 2025, which brought together promising Indian DeepTech startups and investors. Furthermore, IIT Delhi's 18th Open House showcased a range of innovations, from 3D LiDAR mapping and automatic celiac disease detection to smart electrochromic windows and sustainable textile initiatives, demonstrating the practical application of advanced research. India's Telecom Secretary, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, also highlighted ongoing initiatives for research in 6G technology during ESTIC 2025, including the establishment of 100 5G Labs and the Bharat 6G Alliance's international partnerships.
These developments collectively underscore India's robust and rapidly evolving science and technology ecosystem, aiming for a knowledge-powered economy and a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.