Context
- Recently, the Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) project has been accorded an extension for five years, until 2026 and enters its second phase with added features.
- In the first phase, the I-STEM 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.
About I-STEM Portal
- It is a national web portal for sharing R&D facilities was formally launched in January 2020.
- It is an initiative of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India (PSA, GOI) under the aegis of Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) mission.
Objectives of I-STEM Portal
- Its goal is to strengthen the R&D ecosystem of the country by connecting researchers with resources.
- It is aimed at promoting technologies and scientific equipment development indigenously, and providing necessary supplies and supports to researchers.
- The goals of I-STEM include serving as a platform for generating technical manpower through a variety of training programs conducted by Regional I-STEM Hubs, which would form a natural partner and a complement to the Clusters.
Significance of I-STEM Portal
- It facilitates researchers to access slots for the use of equipment, as well as to share the details of the outcomes, such as, patents, publications and technologies.
- It will host indigenous technology products listed through a digital catalogue.
- It will provide a platform for the various City Knowledge and Innovation Clusters to enhance effective use of R&D infrastructure through leveraging collaboration and partnership built on a shared STI ecosystem.
- It will host and provide access to selected R&D software required to undertake research projects by students and scientists
- In its new phase, it will be designed as a dynamic digital platform that will provide boost to research and innovation especially for 2 tier and 3 tier cities and also for the emerging start-up ecosystem.
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