The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES), Government of India, organized the Curtain Raiser Event for the Earth Science Technology and Innovation Conference (ESTIC) 2025 under the Blue Economy theme on 17th October 2025 at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai. The Conclave, themed "Imagine, Innovate, Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047," is scheduled to be held from November 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The Blue Economy theme of ESTIC 2025 focuses on sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. The curtain raiser marked the beginning of a series of national-level engagements leading up to the main conference, scheduled for 4th November 2025, which will bring together experts, policymakers, young researchers, industry partners, and innovators from across the country.
Prof. Balaji Ramkrishnan, Director, NIOT, delivered Dr. M. Ravichandran's message commending the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India for conceptualizing ESTIC as a collaborative platform to showcase India's progress in science, technology, and innovation. He emphasized that the Blue Economy is a vital pillar of sustainable development, highlighting its role in advancing marine research, offshore renewable energy, deep sea exploration, marine bio-technology and ocean-based industries.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. Balaji Ramkrishnan, Director, NIOT, emphasized that, "The Blue Economy is an imperative for our sustainable future. Through innovation and science-led initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission, India is emerging as a global leader in ocean research. ESTIC 2025 will be a platform to inspire collaboration and innovation for a Viksit Bharat 2047"
He noted that multi stakeholders interactions help strengthen partnerships across government, academia, and industry, reinforcing India's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy.
Addressing the gathering. Dr. Balakrishnan Nair, Director, INCOIS, highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in advancing marine technologies and data-driven ocean services. He also introduced the speakers and panelists for the Blue Economy theme at ESTIC 2025, setting the tone for insightful discussions on innovation and sustainability in ocean science.
The event also featured brief remarks from Dr. R. S. Kankara, Director, NCCR and Dr. M.V Ramana Murthy, Mission Director (DOM) who shared perspectives on India's evolving Blue Economy landscape and the role of innovation in realizing its full potential.
Additionally, Cdr. P.K. Srivastava, Scientist 'G, MOES, provided an overview of ESTIC-2025 outlining the significance of the Blue Economy theme and the series of activities planned under the upcoming conclave.
The curtain raiser was attended by senior officials from MoES, representatives from scientific institutions, academia, and industry researchers and media. The session concluded with the unveiling of a short video on India's Blue Economy and ESTIC-2025 agenda.