Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to inaugurate the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on October 27, with about 150 deep-tech startups exhibiting over three days.

For founders, the draw is access. The conclave brings together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders and international experts, including three Nobel laureates, across 12 areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy and climate science.

The test is follow-through. The science minister has asked organisers for a roadmap with short-term and long-term milestones, and the reports do not say whether a formal roadmap will be issued.

The first edition drew more than 5,000 delegates and 13 ministries, so the scale is established, and the outcomes are what to watch.

A technology and innovation exhibition will show indigenous achievements, according to IANS.

About 150 deep-tech startups will participate through dedicated stalls, according to the reports.

Deliberations will cover 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, climate science and ocean research, according to the reports.

The faculty will include three Nobel laureates, Joachim Frank, Sir Richard J Roberts and Kostya Novoselov, according to a statement by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in the PIB release.

The first edition drew 13 ministries, leading institutions, industry partners and more than 5,000 delegates, according to the Principal Scientific Adviser as quoted in the reports.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has asked the organisers for a roadmap with short-term and long-term milestones, according to a PIB-linked report. The reports reviewed do not say whether a formal roadmap will be issued.

The reports reviewed were published before the inauguration, so they do not describe what the Prime Minister said or announced.

Deep-tech refers to startups built on advanced science or engineering research, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and advanced materials.

A conclave is a gathering of experts and officials to discuss a subject and agree on priorities.

Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (file image), Wikimedia Commons, GODL-India