Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 27, 2026, outlining India's strategic vision for technological leadership and self-reliance. The PM emphasized that building a Viksit Bharat requires strong foundations in scientific research and innovation, with India aiming to lead in shaping future technologies rather than following foreign innovations.
Key achievements highlighted include the indigenous 500-Megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving First Criticality, representing a major step in nuclear energy strength. In the space sector, India mastered satellite docking capability and saw successful satellite launches by domestic startups using Made-in-India rockets. The country hosted the AI Impact Summit, launched its own AI Model, and began shipping India-made semiconductor chips globally while building battery storage capacity using domestic raw materials.
Financial commitments for research and development reached ₹24,000 crore in the past year, comprising equal contributions of ₹12,000 crore each from government and private investors. Intellectual property creation showed dramatic growth, with annual patent filings increasing from fewer than 50,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh last year, reflecting a structural shift toward research culture.
The PM addressed emerging technology challenges, noting that while AI can provide quick answers, scientists must verify their veracity. He emphasized safety and security priorities across AI, synthetic biology, and autonomous systems, calling for AI-based and quantum security solutions to protect national systems. National Missions were urged for semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics, space, clean energy, and next-generation communications.
Concrete three-year targets were called for from researchers, industry leaders, startup founders, and students to develop specific technologies, prototypes, pilot projects, or products. The conclave aimed to move beyond discussions to deliver measurable outcomes that position India as the global hub for solutions while serving humanity's needs.