TLDR: India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) hosted a curtain-raiser for the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. The upcoming conclave will focus on ‘Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact,’ aiming to leverage AI for inclusive growth and digital empowerment across the nation.
New Delhi, India – The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently hosted a curtain-raiser event on October 23, 2025, to commence preparations for the much-anticipated Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025. This significant event aims to galvanize momentum around India’s burgeoning leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, and inclusive technology.
The 2025 edition of ESTIC is set to prominently feature ‘Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact‘ as its central theme. This focus underscores India’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the transformative power of AI to foster inclusive growth and advance digital empowerment for all its citizens. Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, chaired the curtain-raiser session and emphasized the critical importance of developing and deploying AI responsibly and accessibly as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation.
The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from academia, industry leaders, innovative startups, and prominent research institutions. The discussions centered on exploring the vast potential of AI to drive social and economic development, highlighting its role as a catalyst for positive change.
Key attendees at the event included Dr. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, Institute Chair Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay, and Ms. Kavita Bhatia, Scientist G and Group Coordinator, AI & Emerging Technologies Division, MeitY. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and multi-faceted expertise being brought to bear on this national initiative.
The conclave, ESTIC, serves as a flagship platform designed to convene India’s brightest minds. It facilitates discussions on cutting-edge innovations and their practical applications for national development. The emphasis on ‘AI for Social Impact‘ for the 2025 edition reflects a strategic vision to integrate advanced technological solutions with societal needs.
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The event concluded with a strong call for multi-stakeholder collaboration, urging government bodies, academic institutions, and industry players to work in concert. This collaborative approach is deemed essential to translate theoretical research into tangible, real-world impact. Participants highlighted several existing initiatives that will be crucial in scaling responsible AI adoption nationwide, including the ‘AI for India 2.0‘ skilling programme, the ‘National Data Governance Framework Policy,’ and the ‘IndiaAI Innovation Platform.’ These programs are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that AI advancements contribute meaningfully to India’s inclusive and sustainable technological future.
