Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launches Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a curtain-raiser for the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025), according to a ministry press release yesterday. The three-day conclave to be held in Delhi starting Nov. 3, will focus on what are now called ‘frontier technologies’ including semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, biotech, space, and clean energy. It is designed to be a platform for young innovators, startups, and researchers to showcase their solutions and connect with industry leaders.

DPIIT and Thermo Fisher Scientific to support 500 biotech startups

India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered Thermo Fisher Scientific to launch the BioVerse Challenge, a national programme aimed at supporting 500 biotech startups in India over the next three years, according to a press release from the commerce ministry. The collaboration will provide mentorship, access to advanced R&D facilities, and investor connections. This initiative is a key step towards achieving India's vision of building a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.

Eli Lilly to invest over $1 billion in India manufacturing expansion

US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly will invest more than $1 billion to expand its manufacturing and supply capabilities in India, Reuters reports. The investment includes new contract manufacturing facilities and a new manufacturing and quality hub in Hyderabad. The company's goal is to strengthen its global supply chain and leverage India's skilled workforce to increase the availability of key medicines for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

RoosterBio and Secretome Therapeutics complete large-scale production for clinical cell therapy

RoosterBio and Secretome Therapeutics have successfully completed large-scale bioreactor production of STM-01, a cell therapy candidate for heart failure currently in clinical trials, the US companies said in a press release.

California to create statewide strategy for quantum technology

California has enacted a new law, Assembly Bill 940, to establish a statewide strategy for the quantum technology sector, Quantum Insider reports. Led by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the plan aims to attract investment, foster job growth, and coordinate public-private partnerships. The initiative, backed by $4 million in state funding for research, seeks to translate the state's academic research into commercial applications, ensuring California's global competitiveness in this transformative field.

Firefly Aerospace acquires SciTec in $855 million deal

Firefly Aerospace has acquired SciTec, a national security technology firm, for $855 million to enhance its space services, the two US companies said in a press release. SciTec’s defense software analytics and capabilities in missile warning, tracking, and intelligence will bolster Firefly’s offerings in the growing military-space sector. SciTec will operate as a unit of Firefly, which is now poised to strengthen its position as a major space technology provider, known for its small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles.

Einride raises $100 million for autonomous freight deployments

Einride, a startup in Sweden specializing in autonomous and electric freight technology, has secured $100 million in new funding, the company said in a press release. The capital will be used to accelerate the deployment of its self-driving trucks, advance its technology, and expand its customer base. The funding follows a year of significant growth for the company, including a doubling of its net sales and expansion into new markets.

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India’s first S&T and innovation conclave, Eli Lilly’s $1 bln plan