Pune: ICMR-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, hosted a curtain-raiser programme for the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 on Thursday, focusing on the thematic area “Preventive Medicine and Advanced Healthcare Solutions.”
ESTIC 2026, India’s flagship science, technology and innovation conclave, is scheduled to be held from Oct 27 to 29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Director, ICMR-NIV, Dr. Pragya Yadav, Scientist F, ICMR-NIV, Pune, and Director-in-Charge, NIOH, Nagpur, said, ”Our focus at DHR-ICMR is on advancing the translation of biomedical research, strengthening modern diagnostic networks and transforming scientific innovations into actionable public health policies. ICMR-NIV continues to play a key role in virological research, outbreak investigations and the development of diagnostics and vaccines.”
The address was followed by a short video highlighting ESTIC 2026 and its objectives and a presentation by Dr. Krushna Ch. Sahoo, Scientist D, ICMR-DHR, and Member Secretary, Thematic session, providing an overview of the upcoming conclave.
Sharing a vision on thematic integration, Dr. Ruchi Singh, Scientist G and Head of Discovery Research, ICMR, Member, Thematic session, said, ”ESTIC 2026 represents the integrated effort of 13 ministries to promote innovation and technological development, with the broader aim of uniting the country’s scientific community on a common platform to exchange ideas, share progress and showcase their achievements.”
Dr. A. Raghu, adviser, Ministry of AYUSH, emphasised the integration of traditional and modern medicine to strengthen healthcare research and innovation. An interactive session with media representatives provided an opportunity for discussion on the upcoming conclave and its relevance to scientific and technological advancement. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Anshika Bhatanagar, Joint Statistical adviser, Ministry of Ayush, and Co-Chair, Thematic session.
