The Ministry of Science & Technology announced on 29 October 2026 the conclusion of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026. During the event, the government released the National Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation and the India: Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2026, the latter of which will be updated annually. The initiative aims to translate indigenous research into practical solutions for national development and the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. The release does not say when the overall vision takes effect, though specific targets for autonomous systems are set for 2030, 2035, and 2047.
Key points
- Released 'National Vision for Science, Technology and Innovation' and 'India’s STI Outlook 2026'.
- STI Outlook 2026 will be updated annually to support policymaking.
- Next phase of National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems begins January 2028.
- Target for pilot technology validation in autonomous systems is 2030.
- Goal for global competitiveness in autonomous systems and robotics by 2047.
When it applies
- valedictory session of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026
- next phase of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems
- validation of pilot technologies for autonomous systems and robotics
- wider deployment and manufacturing of autonomous systems and robotics
- global competitiveness in autonomous systems and robotics
Who it affects
- policymakers and international partners