National web portal for sharing R&D facilities I-STEM enters Phase-II

What is the News?

Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) Portal has been accorded an extension for five years until 2026 and enters its second phase with added features.

About I-STEM Portal:

• I-STEM was launched in 2020. It is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities.
• Purpose: The portal is the gateway for researchers to locate the specific facility(ies) they need for their R&D work and identify the one that is either located closest to them or available the soonest.
• Initiatives: The Portal Is an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under the aegis of Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council(PM-STIAC) mission.

Goals of I-STEM Portal:

• The goal of I-STEM is to strengthen the R&D ecosystem of the country by connecting researchers with resources.
• This will be done by promoting technologies and scientific equipment development indigenous and providing necessary supplies and support to researchers by enabling them access to existing publicly funded R&D facilities in the country through the I-STEM web portal.

Phase-I of I-STEM Portal:

• In the first phase, the portal is listed with more than 20,000 pieces of equipment from 1050 institutions across the country and has more than 20,000 Indian researchers.

Phase-II of I-STEM Portal:

• Firstly, the portal will host indigenous technology products listed through a digital catalog.
• Secondly, it will also host and provide access to selected R&D (Research and Development) software required to undertake research projects by students and scientists.
• Thirdly, the portal will also provide a platform for the various City Knowledge and Innovation Clusters to enhance the effective use of R&D infrastructure.
• Lastly, it will be designed as a dynamic digital platform that will provide a boost to research and innovation, especially for 2 tier and 3 tier cities and also for the emerging start-up ecosystem.