India Spotlights Ocean Science Ahead of ESTIC 2026
- Focus: Ocean science and maritime tech
- Dates: October 27-29, 2026
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Anchor project: Deep Ocean Mission
India's push to harness deep-sea resources for long-term economic expansion took center stage in Kochi this week. The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology held a thematic preview for the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026), zeroing in on ocean sciences and maritime technologies. Organized alongside a stakeholder workshop for the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System portal, the gathering aimed to consolidate marine data networks supporting the national Deep Ocean Mission.
The preview signals heightened government priority for marine exploration ahead of the main conclave, scheduled for October 27 to 29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala noted that sustainable ocean utilization remains a vital pillar for the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap. Across twelve thematic tracks, ESTIC 2026 will bring together Nobel laureates, scientific institutions, defense representatives, and deep-tech startups to accelerate collaborative breakthroughs.
For maritime researchers, offshore industry operators, and blue-economy entrepreneurs, the New Delhi summit offers direct access to key policy and procurement discussions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has structured dedicated tracks addressing autonomous marine systems, ocean climate policy, and satellite oceanography alongside defense and commercial stakeholders. With global experts and local deep-tech founders sharing panels, the conclave tests whether India can effectively translate oceanographic field data into commercially viable maritime technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of ESTIC 2026?
ESTIC 2026 serves as India's flagship annual science platform to foster collaboration across 12 strategic areas, including deep tech, ocean sciences, and disruptive innovation.
When and where will ESTIC 2026 take place?
The main conclave is scheduled to run from October 27 to 29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
What role does the Ministry of Earth Sciences have in ESTIC 2026?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is leading the Ocean Science and Maritime Technology thematic track, connecting marine living resources research with the Deep Ocean Mission.
Source
PIB Press Release No. 2319512, Ministry of Earth Sciences (Release ID: 2319512) · 2026-10-06
Tripti Bansal founded PolicyIndex to bring structure and clarity to regulatory change across India, the UK, and the EU. PolicyIndex converts gazette notifications, draft rules, and policy filings into timely, actionable intelligence for the professionals who must respond to them first. This article was researched and written by the PolicyIndex editorial team under her direction, as part of the platform's ongoing coverage of global regulatory developments.