PM Modi inaugurates ESTIC 2025, launches Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam During the event he also launched the Rs one lakh crore Research Development and Innovation RDI Scheme Fund aimed at strengthening Indiarsquos scientific and technological capabilitiesAddressing the gathering PM Modi said ldquoTodayrsquos programme focuses on science but before that I want to speak about the historic win of the Indian womenrsquos cricket team The entire nation is proud of them for their remarkable achievement I congratulate the team and extend my best wishes to all the players who have made India proudrdquoReferring to Indiarsquos recent space success the Prime Minister added ldquoYesterday ISRO successfully launched the Indian Navyrsquos GSAT7R CMS03 communication satellite I congratulate ISRO and all the scientists involved in this mission Today marks another important milestone for science and technology There was a need to discuss emerging innovations and this idea led to the conception of this conclave which has now become a realityrdquoHighlighting Indiarsquos growing global presence in innovation PM Modi said ldquoIt is a proud moment for us to have Nobel laureates among us today The pace of change in science is no longer linear but exponential Our government has launched the Rs one lakh crore RDI Scheme Fund to pave the way for new opportunities in research and development We aim to promote innovation not only in public institutions but also in the private sector To build a modern innovation ecosystem we are emphasising the lsquoease of doing researchrsquo In this direction our government has already reformed financial rules and procurement policies to support scientific growthrdquoThis significant investment is aimed at benefiting the public and unlocking new avenues of opportunity he saidPM Modi said the governments goal was to foster a culture of research and development within the private sector as wellFor the first time capital is being allocated specifically for highrisk highimpact projects ensuring support for groundbreaking endeavours he said adding the government was focusing on Ease of Doing Research so that a modern ecosystem of innovation can flourish in IndiaTo achieve this vision our government has introduced significant reforms in financial regulations and procurement policies Additionally we have streamlined incentives and supply chain frameworks to accelerate the transition of prototypes from the lab to the market he saidThe prime minister said over the past decade Indias RampD expenditure has doubled demonstrating commitment to innovationThe number of registered patents has grown an impressive 17fold In the start up landscape India has emerged as the thirdlargest ecosystem globally he saidUnion Minister Jitendra Singh who also addressed the event expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his vision and encouragement ldquoESTIC 2025 is being organised at a time when the worldrsquos perception of India has transformed For decades our scientists lacked adequate facilities despite their immense talent Under PM Modirsquos leadership we are now on the path to becoming a Viksit Bharat Developed India Our progress in startups Gaganyaan biotechnology and vaccines has helped us emerge as the worldrsquos fourthlargest economyrdquo he saidHe further noted that the startup ecosystem has expanded beyond metros with innovative ventures emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 citiesA short film on the Research Development and Innovation RDI Scheme was also showcased during the eventEarlier in the day PM Modi took to his social media saying that the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave ESTIC 2025 at Bharat Mandapam will bring together key stakeholders from the world of science education research and more and it was a matter of immense joy that the Research Development and Innovation RDI Scheme Fund will also be launched giving an impetus to several researchers across IndiaThe lsquoESTIC 2025rsquo conclave to be held from November 35 will bring together over 3000 participants from academia research institutions industry and government along with Nobel Laureates eminent scientists innovators and policymakersAccording to a statement by the Prime Ministers Office PMO deliberations will focus on 11 key thematic areas including Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence BioManufacturing Blue Economy Digital Communications Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing Emerging Agriculture Technologies Energy Environment and Climate Health and Medical Technologies Quantum Science and Technology and Space TechnologiesldquoESTIC 2025 will feature talks by leading scientists panel discussions presentations and technology showcases providing a platform for collaboration among researchers industry and young innovators to strengthen Indiarsquos science and technology ecosystemrdquo the statement addedAccording to Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh the lsquoESTIC 2025rsquo is a stage for young innovators startups and researchers to showcase innovative solutions find mentorship and connect with industry and stakeholdersESTIC 2025 is designed as an outcomeoriented forum that celebrates stakeholder contributions while fostering collaborations among researchers entrepreneurs industry and funding bodiesWith inputs from IANS and PTI