India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025: Advancing Scientific Temper and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

India International Science Festival, launched in 2015 under the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, has grown into one of India’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and public participation in science. It aims to highlight India’s growing position as a global science and technology leader, strengthen India’s science culture, expand public engagement, and support national goals in research, innovation and talent development. IISF functions as a platform bringing together scientists, innovators, educators, students, industry leaders, science communicators and policymakers to collaborate, exchange innovations through large-scale exhibitions and outreach activities

IISF 2025 is expected to bring together more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad. The festival features over 150 technical and thematic sessions across science, technology, innovation and industry. The programme highlights priority domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Bio-Economy, New Age Technology, Quantum Technology and Gene Editing, supported by activities for students, youth, women scientists and community outreach. It also includes sessions on the Himalayas and regional climate science, along with tracks on satellites, launch systems and space applications. These tracks feature experts from national research institutions and focus on advances shaping India’s science and technology landscape.

Participation Overview

IISF 2025 is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform. It will bring together:
1. Scientists and researchers from national laboratories, universities and R&D institutions
2. School and college students, teachers and young innovators
3. Startups, incubators, industry leaders and investors
4. Science communicators, writers and media professionals
5. Women scientists and researchers from under-represented groups
6. Policy-makers from the Union and State governments

Institutions Involved in the IISF 2025

This year IISF 2025 will be organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and coordinated by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, aligning thematic areas with national science priorities and coordinating participation from key government agencies, research institutions and academic partners.
Partner Ministries
1. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) leads major thematic tracks and provides researchers for expert sessions, drawing on frontier technologies such as quantum technologies, advanced materials, AI systems and national deep-tech programmes.
2. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) brings inputs from national bio-missions and research facilities, demonstrating current work in genomics, bio-manufacturing, health technologies and emerging areas of industrial biotechnology.
3. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) participates through its laboratories and domain specialists, demonstrating technologies across aerospace, clean energy, chemicals, materials, sensors, environmental solutions and applied engineering.
4. The Department of Space exhibits frontier R&D on satellites, launch vehicles and space applications.
5. The Department of Atomic Energy provides specialists and scientific material, demonstrating ongoing work in nuclear science, radiation technologies, medical isotopes, advanced instrumentation and research infrastructure.
6. Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) serves as the outreach partner, facilitating public engagement, student participation and linkages with schools, colleges and community-based science groups.

Previous Editions of IISF: Key Highlights

IISF, launched in 2015, has grown into one of the country’s largest platforms for promoting scientific temper and enhancing public participation in science. Conceived under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, IISF was envisioned as a national celebration of India’s scientific and technological achievements, engaging students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists, and technocrats from India and abroad.
IISF aims to bring together people and the scientific community both nationally and internationally to collaborate, interact, and experience the joy of doing science for the wellbeing of India and humanity, guided by the spirit of swadeshi. Over the years, IISF has evolved through innovative programme designs that connect science with various aspects of everyday life.