India Ignites Innovation: The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 Lights Up Panchkula
The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) began on 6 December 2025 in Panchkula, Haryana, bringing together thousands of minds hungry for innovation, research, and collaborative progress. Running until 9 December, this iconic event has grown into one of the country’s most influential science outreach platforms since its launch in 2015. At its heart, IISF is more than a gathering of experts; it is a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and India’s growing scientific identity. It represents a unique space where scientists, students, innovators, and the common public come together to engage, learn, and dream about the possibilities that science offers for the nation’s future.Theme and Vision: Vigyan Se Samruddhi for a Self-Reliant IndiaThe 2025 edition of IISF revolves around the theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” a message that reflects India’s aspiration to grow through science-driven progress. This vision places scientific innovation at the core of national development. The idea is simple yet powerful: true prosperity is achieved when scientific knowledge is transformed into practical solutions that uplift society. The theme also aligns with India’s broader mission of Innovation and Aatmanirbharta. It highlights a future where India not only becomes self-reliant but also emerges as a contributor of scientific excellence to the world. By encouraging homegrown technologies, research breakthroughs, and local innovation ecosystems, IISF 2025 aims to strengthen India’s scientific foundation while nurturing its global leadership.Program Focus: Exploring the Future of ScienceIISF 2025 brings a diverse mix of themes that reflect India’s scientific priorities. The festival focuses on five major areas: the ecology and environmental science of Northwest India and the Himalayas, science for society and education, self-reliance through scientific advancement, biotechnology and the bio-economy, and the fusion of traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific methods. With over 150 technical sessions, participants will explore cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence and artificial general intelligence, quantum technology, space systems, climate science, gene editing, bio-economy frameworks, and frontier materials research. These sessions are not limited to experts; they are structured to include young researchers, students, and innovators, creating a learning environment where ideas can flow freely across generations.Mission IISF 2025: Science as the Pathway to ProsperityThe mission statement of IISF 2025, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat," encapsulates the belief that scientific knowledge is the driving force behind national prosperity. It aims to create a space where India’s brightest minds can brainstorm solutions to global challenges while uplifting domestic innovation. For students attending the festival, it sparks dreams of becoming scientists, innovators, or policy shapers. For researchers, it provides the satisfaction of seeing their work translated into societal benefits. For the common citizen, it offers hope that science can bring real change to everyday life.Panchkula: The Host City of Innovation and HeritageThe choice of Panchkula as the host city adds a special charm to IISF 2025. A well-planned urban space in Haryana and part of the Chandigarh Tricity region, Panchkula blends modern infrastructure with natural beauty and cultural richness. Its clean environment, green landscapes, and efficient connectivity make it an ideal location for a global science gathering. Known for landmarks such as the Mansa Devi Temple, Pinjore Gardens, and scenic Morni hills, Panchkula offers participants not just a learning experience but also a chance to explore a city rooted in history, nature, and modernity. Hosting an event of this scale enhances Panchkula’s identity as an emerging hub for education, research, and cultural exchange.A Festival That Inspires and ConnectsWhat makes IISF truly special is the feeling it creates of belonging to a nation where science is celebrated, encouraged, and shared with pride. Whether it is a school student witnessing a rocket model for the first time, a researcher presenting years of dedicated work, or an innovator showcasing a prototype to industry leaders, the festival reminds everyone that science touches lives. The India International Science Festival is more than a conference; it is an emotional and intellectual experience. It bridges the gap between laboratories and society, between complex ideas and everyday understanding, and between scientific dreams and national development. In its 11th edition, IISF continues to shine as a beacon of India’s scientific aspirations, uniting people with the shared belief that science can shape a brighter, self-reliant, and globally respected India.
