Ministry of Earth Sciences Organizes 'Ocean Science and Marine Technology' Thematic Event for ESTIC 2026

The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, organized the thematic inauguration ceremony of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conference (ESTIC) 2026 at its campus in Kochi. The primary theme of the program was 'Ocean Science and Marine Technology.'

The inauguration ceremony was conducted alongside a stakeholder engagement workshop for the IndoOBIS (Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System) portal. The IndoOBIS portal has been developed to promote biodiversity research under the country's 'Deep Ocean Mission.' The event was broadcast live, allowing scientists, researchers, students, and data managers to connect and strengthen the network for marine research and data sharing.

Earlier, on September 10, 2026, ESTIC 2026 was launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Prime Minister's Office, at the National Media Centre in New Delhi.

In a video message, Dr. Srinivas Kumar Tummala, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stated that the ministry supports the Prime Minister's vision of viewing marine resources as key drivers of economic growth and 'Developed India 2047.' He described ESTIC as a major annual platform for scientific collaboration that brings together global experts, Nobel laureates, and policymakers to discuss cutting-edge research and innovation.

During the ceremony, information brochures and videos based on the theme of 'Ocean Science and Marine Technology' were released. Attendees were also informed about upcoming events to be held from October 27-29, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. These will include a keynote address by Dr. Kilaparthy Ramakrishna and invited talks by prominent figures such as Dr. Satish C. Shenoi, Dr. Purnima Jalihal, and Dr. Leena Vachani.

Additionally, a panel discussion titled 'Ocean Science and Marine Technology: A Bridge to Knowledge, Innovation, and Sustainable Technology' was held, moderated by former Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran. The panel included Commodore Abhinav D. Barve, Dr. Grinson George, Dr. Shubha Satyendranath, Sanjay Reddy, and Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri.

Dr. Srinivas Kumar Tummala further noted that ESTIC 2026 plans to cover 12 strategic thematic areas of science, technology, and innovation, with Ocean Science and Marine Technology serving as a key session. He expressed hope for wide participation from scientific institutions, government departments, startups, and innovators across the country.