Chennai: Scientists from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), participated in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

ESTIC 2025 serves as a key platform to promote innovation and research collaboration towards the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision. The MoES led the Blue Economy theme, focusing on sustainable ocean development and marine resource management.

The NIOT team highlighted innovations in ocean observation systems, underwater vehicles, ocean thermal energy conversion, and renewable ocean energy technologies, underscoring Chennai's role in advancing sustainable ocean engineering.

NIOT Director Prof. Balaji Ramakrishnan said the institute's efforts align with the national Blue Economy vision and are helping India emerge as a leader in ocean technologies.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi announced a ₹1 lakh crore National Research Fund to promote private-sector participation in innovation. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, stressed the importance of the Blue Economy in achieving clean energy and climate resilience goals.