Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI

Communications from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI @PrinSciAdvGoI

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Prof. Arun Majumdar, Dean, @stanforddoerr, called upon Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, to discuss collaborative efforts in advancing grassroots innovation and explore strategic avenues for engagement between Stanford University and Indian academic institutions.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Mr Aditya Tiwari and Mr Ashish Tiwari, Directors, PG Tech Private Limited, called on Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The discussions focused on the indigenous technologies and commercial production capabilities developed by M/s PG Tech Pvt. Ltd. in the field of rare earth metals. The meeting was also joined by Ms Remya, Scientist 'E', and Mr Rohit, CTO, from the Office of the PSA.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐒&𝐓-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐒𝐀 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 2

Building on the first episode, Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, continue their conversation with Dr @ChagunBasha, Chief Policy Adviser, to examine how science, technology, and innovation are driving India's future.

The discussion delves into the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser's role in advancing national missions and frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Semiconductors, 6G, Drones, Robotics, and other emerging domains. The speakers also examine how science advice is informing policy across critical sectors such as health, energy, sustainable development, and livelihoods through initiatives including One Health, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Zero Emission Trucking, RuTAG, RSVC, and Sah Sankalp.

The conversation also turns to India's expanding science and technology diplomacy, highlighting initiatives such as Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), Technology Dialogues, the Chief Science Advisers' Roundtable (CSAR), and the International S&T Clusters Conference, alongside strategic partnerships through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the India-UK Technology Security Initiative, India-US TRUST, and the Quad. Together, these collaborations are strengthening India's technological leadership, strategic autonomy, and global innovation partnerships.

The episode concludes with the speakers sharing their vision for India's scientific future and innovation priorities.

Watch Episode 2: https://t.co/nT8dZKXZYU

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn, joined the Grassroots Innovators Recognition Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 31 July 2026, where she was received by @DrJitendraSingh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; and Ms Nidhi Chhibber, CEO, NITI Aayog.

Organised by the @AIMtoInnovate, the event recognised and celebrated the contributions of grassroots innovators from across the country, particularly those from tribal areas, aspirational districts and rural regions. The innovators were felicitated by Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.

The Hon’ble President, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the exhibition, interacted with the innovators, and highlighted the role of grassroots innovation in addressing local challenges and contributing to national development.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐒&𝐓-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐒𝐀 | 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 1

In this episode, Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, join Dr @ChagunBasha, Chief Policy Adviser, for a conversation on the evolving role of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (Office of PSA) in shaping India's science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.

The discussion explores the evolution of the Office of PSA, its role in providing science advice to the Government, and the contributions of the Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) and the Empowered Technology Group (ETG) in supporting evidence-based policymaking. They also discuss India's evolving research ecosystem through initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, and Manthan, alongside the importance of strengthening industry participation in research and innovation.

The episode concludes with a discussion on building an inclusive scientific ecosystem through initiatives such as One Nation One Subscription, i-STEM, and Science & Technology Clusters, aimed at democratising access to scientific knowledge, research infrastructure, and innovation opportunities across the country.

Watch Episode 1: https://t.co/Pl9VEdrHvH

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, announced the opening of registrations for the second edition of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam from 27–29 October 2026.

The conclave will serve as a transformative platform to showcase cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions featuring Nobel Laureates, global experts, policymakers, and emerging leaders, fostering a new era of scientific leadership and innovation. The event will focus on 12 key thematic areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Energy Technologies, Systems and Synthetic Biology, Ocean Science and Maritime Technologies, Intelligent Networks and Quantum Communication, Semiconductors and Next-Generation Chips, Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition, Generative and Autonomous AI, Autonomous Systems, Physical AI and Robotics, Preventive Medicine and Advanced Healthcare Solutions, Immersive Tech: Generative XR and Spatial Computing, and Space Science and Technologies.

Interested participants can register by visiting https://t.co/IJx3UMxhw8.

@moayush | @DBTIndia | @CSIR_IND | @DRDO_India | @moesgoi | @EduMinOfIndia | @GoI_MeitY | @icarindia | @DeptHealthRes | @ICMRDELHI | @DoT_India | @indiadst | @isro | @DAEIndia

[ESTIC 2026 @estic_2026]

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, invites you to join #ESTIC2026.

Please visit ESTIC 2026 website at https://t.co/swnNayXHfB for more details. Registration is open and the portal can be accessed at https://t.co/rpSGk9heUm

[ESTIC 2026 @estic_2026]

Presenting ESTIC 2026

A national platform bringing together leaders in science, technology and innovation to foster collaboration and progress.

Registration will be open today through the official ESTIC 2026 website.
#estic2026 #ViksitBharat2047

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Mr @gautamvishal, Director, AI & Cyber Threat Research Center and Mr @adityakaushik00 , Head of Government Affairs, India, of @zscaler, called upon Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, to discuss global cybersecurity trends, technology sovereignty, AI and cyber threat research, and opportunities for collaboration under the Technology Dialogue 2026.

The meeting was also joined by Dr Preeti Banzal, Adviser/Scientist 'G'; Ms Remya Haridasan, Scientist 'E'; and Mr Rohit Gupta, CTO, from the Office of the PSA.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, joined the Inaugural Session of the National MAHA EV Mission Summit 2026 on 30 July 2026. He was joined by Shri Dhiraj Kumar Srivastava, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Dr @shivkuma_k, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, @ANRFIndia; and Dr T. Thangaradjou, Programme Director, ANRF MAHA-EV Mission.

In his address, Prof. Sood spoke of the significant progress made in electric mobility over the past decade, driven by enabling policy incentives, growing industrial participation and increasing consumer awareness and adoption of electric vehicles. He emphasised that India’s focus must now increasingly shift from technology adoption to technology leadership.

He highlighted that the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, through the collaborative efforts of its Consultative Group on e-Mobility (CGeM) Working Group and multiple knowledge partners, developed the e-Mobility R&D Roadmap for India in July 2024.

He noted that the e-Mobility R&D Roadmap and the ANRF MAHA-EV Mission together provide a long-term vision and strategic framework for strengthening India’s electric mobility ecosystem and advancing indigenous innovation.

Looking ahead, Prof. Sood encouraged participants to actively engage in the deliberations at MEMS 2026. He underscored the importance of inter-ministerial convergence, industry partnerships, and e-Node technology reviews in strengthening collaboration and accelerating the translation of research across Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). He further highlighted the need to advance innovations from laboratory research to proof-of-concept, while aligning research with market needs, and supporting the future productisation, and adoption of indigenous EV technologies

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Mr Rajat Verma, Founder, @lohum and Co-Chair, Confederation of Indian Industry (@FollowCII) National Task Force on Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals, called upon Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, to discuss the critical minerals ecosystem, key industry priorities, policy interventions, and potential areas of collaboration.

The meeting was also attended by Ms Namita Bahl, Director & Head Technology, Innovation, Design and Research and Ms Preeti Shukla, Associate Councellor from CII; Ms Pranati Kohli, Head of Public Affairs, Lohum; Dr Preeti Banzal, Adviser/Scientist 'G' and Ms Remya Haridasan, Scientist 'E' from OPSA.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

At the Confederation of Indian Industry (@FollowCII) Women in STEM Leadership Summit, Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, delivered a Special Address on “Powering Inclusive Innovation for India’s Technology Future”. She was joined by @AmbAckermann, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan; Dr (Smt) Chandrika Kaushik, Distinguished Scientist and Director General, @DRDO_India ; Ms Candace Johnson, Founder/Co-Founder, @SES_Satellites, Loral Teleport Europe and Europe Online, and Chair, @seraphim_space; Ms Soni Kaul, Principal Expert, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (@ANRFIndia ); @DrAshishM1, Executive Director, CII and Ms Swati Mor, Head - Human Resources, @ReNewCorp

Dr Maini highlighted that inclusive innovation is both a strategic and economic imperative for a Viksit Bharat. In an evolving geopolitical landscape, strengthening domestic capabilities and enabling broad-based participation in innovation are essential to enhancing India’s resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. She emphasised the need to move beyond representation towards meaningful leadership, recognising women as architects of scientific progress and technological transformation.

She also highlighted key initiatives of the Office of the PSA advancing inclusivity in STEMM, including the Science & Technology Clusters-four of which are headed by women-RuTAG 2.0, I-STEM WEST, the She Is: 75 Indian Women in STEAM compendium, and the upcoming Inclusivity in STEMM Self-Assessment and Reporting Framework (SARF).

The Summit brought together leaders from government, academia and industry to advance inclusive leadership and create pathways for women to shape India’s scientific and technological future.

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Dr @sabinehenzler, Director, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, and Dr Liliana Pasecinic, Deputy Head of Unit, JRC, European Commission, met with @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Dr Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary. The discussion focused on evolving India-EU cooperation in frontier technologies, innovation partnership, science advice and science diplomacy, particularly in the context of recent progress on the India-EU Trade Agreement, the advancement of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Groups, and the prospects for India's association with the Horizon Europe programme.

Highlights of the discussion include:

1. Follow-up actions under the India-EU TTC Working Group 2 and the establishment of an Innovation Hub to facilitate collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly in EV charging technologies.

2. Further engagement on the topic of AI for Policy, Science Advice and Technology Foresight.

3. Opportunities under the existing India-EU Civil Nuclear Cooperation Framework: possible future engagements on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear security and nuclear skills development.

4. Deep tech startups engagement and partnership between EU and Indian startup ecosystem.

5. Strengthening the India-EU Science-for-Policy Dialogue: Both sides discussed expanding science-for-policy cooperation in common thematic priorities including water (clean water, water surveillance and management etc).

6. EU's participation in the upcoming 2026 edition of the Chief Science Advisers' Roundtable (CSAR)

@EU_in_India, @DAEIndia, @IndiaDST, @GoI_MeitY, @animesh07731362, @KinchitBihani, @ChagunBasha

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India convened the first review and follow-up meeting on the proposed National Initiative on Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) under the chairmanship of Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary.

The meeting brought together senior representatives from the @DBTIndia, @IndiaDST, @CSIR_IND, @ICMRDELHI, @CDSCO_INDIA_INF, @ANRFIndia, @BIRAC_2012 and @Pharmadept to review progress towards operationalising the national initiative. Discussions focused on the evolving CGT landscape, ongoing institutional efforts, regulatory pathways, and the roadmap for advancing an integrated, mission-mode ecosystem for cell and gene therapies in India.

@rajesh_gokhale | @waghmare16 | @DrNKalaiselvi

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, @AjaySoodIISc, joined the 6th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, @IISER_BERHAMPUR, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Shri Satyabrata Dey, Chairman, Board of Governors; Prof. @arvindnatu, Former Chairman and Member, Standing Committee; Prof. Ashok Ganguly, Director; and Shri P. K. Ray, Registrar, from IISER, Berhampur.

In his address, Prof. Sood underscored the importance of nurturing scientists who are not only researchers but also entrepreneurs, policy thinkers, and educators. He encouraged IISER Berhampur to strengthen interdisciplinary learning that prepares graduates for leadership across science and society.

Highlighting India's rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, Prof. Sood applauded Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-1 mission as a landmark achievement reflecting the capabilities of India's young innovators. He also commended the outstanding performance of Indian students at the 2026 International Science Olympiads as evidence of the country's growing scientific talent.

Speaking on the future of research, he emphasized the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced materials, noting that while AI can extend human capabilities, human intelligence must continue to provide ethical judgement, creativity, and purpose.

Prof. Sood also highlighted the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) Smart Village Centres, citing initiatives such as the Gaushala Model and the 'Weed to Wealth' programme as examples of science driving sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development.

Concluding his address, Prof. Sood urged the graduating students to uphold IISER Berhampur's values of academic excellence, interdisciplinarity, diversity, development, and societal outreach. Emphasizing the "S-LIFE" framework, Prof. Sood called for embedding science into everyday life by promoting hands-on laboratories, integrating research with learning, celebrating science through cultural engagement, and leveraging digital platforms to foster scientific temper.

Watch the full convocation address on YouTube: https://t.co/BaifPuSyvm

[Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI @PrinSciAdvOff]

Vigyan Dhara: Sarvasya Aarogyam - June 2026 Edition | India's National BSL-3 Laboratory Network
The Sarvasya Aarogyam edition of Vigyan Dhara highlights the role of India's Biosafety Level (BSL) Laboratory Network in strengthening preparedness against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases under the National One Health Mission (NOHM).

This article explores how an interconnected network of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories, supported by common standards, secure data sharing, and coordinated research, is improving disease surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response across the country.

Explore more in this insightful article by Lt. Gen. @Madhuri00339480 (Retd.) and the Advisory & Review Committee on Bio Safety Level Network, featured in the June 2026 edition of Vigyan Dhara - Sarvasya Aarogyam.

Read the full edition here: https://t.co/zut2wYMdrp

#VigyanDhara #SarvasyaAarogyam #OneHealth #Biosecurity #DiseaseSurveillance #BSLNetwork