New technology, innovation conclave to ‘replace’ Science Congress to be held in Nov. , Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will organize the first Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November.
• ESTIC is seen as a potential replacement for the Indian Science Congress, India's oldest science congregation.
• The inaugural ESTIC will be held at Bharat Mandapam from November 3-4, with participation from various science-related ministries.
• Nobel Laureate Andre Geim and other international dignitaries are expected to attend ESTIC.

Detailed Insights:

• The Indian Science Congress has diminished in prominence, with the last physical event held in 2023, and was not held in 2024 and 2025 due to disagreements between DST and Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).
• Since 2015, the government has supported the India International Science Festival (IISF), which focuses on popularizing science among students.
• Unlike the IISF, ESTIC aims to be a forum for scientists and technologists to discuss significant themes in science, technology, and innovation.
• The DST has ceased funding the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) due to disputes over event organization.
• Science Minister Jitendra Singh envisions ESTIC as a platform to showcase research and breakthroughs, driving scientific leadership towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Viksit Bharat 2047: Government vision for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047, its 100th year of independence.
• Deep Tech: Startups focused on advanced technologies and scientific discoveries with high research and development intensity.
• Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA): It is a premier scientific body in India that organizes the annual Indian Science Congress to promote scientific research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.