Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026, outlining India's significant progress and future direction in technology development. The address emphasized India's transition from technology adoption to creation, with specific achievements including the 500-Megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving First Criticality for nuclear energy security, successful satellite orbital placement by an Indian startup using a Made-in-India rocket, and the development of satellite docking capability.
The government has accelerated research funding through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, resulting in a total commitment of ₹24,000 crore for Research and Development in the past year alone. This comprises equal contributions of ₹12,000 crore each from the government and private sector, specifically targeting technologies ready to move from laboratory to market. Patent applications have shown substantial growth, increasing from under 50,000 annually a decade ago to nearly 150,000 last year, indicating a strengthening research culture.
India is making advancements across multiple technology sectors including the launch of its own AI model, initial shipments of Indian-manufactured chips reaching global markets, and development of indigenous battery storage solutions based on domestic raw materials. The PM highlighted specific innovations including wearable EEG technology for brain activity monitoring, indigenous wireless and satellite communication solutions, nutrition products for special dietary needs, and technologies for utilizing industrial waste such as steel slag.
The address emphasized the 'Lab to Land' philosophy, where technology success is measured by its ability to solve large problems and transform lives in healthcare, agriculture, education, employment, and disaster management. The PM specifically mentioned the modern Brain Centre at IIT Madras developing high-resolution digital 3D brain imaging technology as a global model for addressing neurological diseases.
Regarding artificial intelligence, the PM noted that while AI can improve research productivity by completing routine tasks quickly, it must not limit scientific thinking and independent judgment. Scientists must maintain responsibility for verifying AI-generated answers, and time saved through AI should be directed toward addressing more challenging problems and testing new ideas.
India is building strong scientific foundations in future-shaping areas including Semiconductors, Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Robotics, Space, Clean Energy, and Next-Generation Communications through several National Missions. The PM emphasized that safety and security must be prioritized in AI, synthetic biology, and autonomous systems, with particular attention to developing AI-based solutions and quantum security solutions to protect financial networks and national security systems from emerging cybersecurity threats.
The address concluded with an appeal to researchers, industry leaders, startup founders, and students to set concrete goals for developing technologies, prototypes, pilot projects, or products within the next three years that contribute to making India a developed nation and global solution center.