I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map), an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, is launching a major project called ‘Samavesha’ to revolutionize research collaboration in India by enhancing accessibility to facilities and labs.

The launch event of ‘Samavesha’ will be held at IISc, Bengaluru, on 16 January 2024. The project is working towards optimizing resource utilization nationwide. I-STEM is planning to conduct around 50 ‘Samavesha’ across India during 2024.

The project targets connecting researchers with scientific institutes through an online portal. The Researcher or the industry looking to avail advanced scientific equipment can connect with the institution that has the equipment they are looking for and rent it to conduct their experiments, through I-STEM Portal.

The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.

This saves the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment. At the National level, this prevents duplication of resources in the research institutions.

Highlighting the importance of Samavesha, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM, said, “We are thrilled to announce India's research is getting a superpower – collaboration! Samavesha unlocks the missing ingredient – seamless connections, shared resources, and a nationwide research surge. From hidden labs to groundbreaking landmarks, Samavesha empowers minds, unites forces, and builds a future of collaborative breakthroughs. Join the revolution – register your lab, share your resources, and make history with Samavesha!”

Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, “The objective is to provide New Age Researchers, start-ups and industries across India with access to advanced, and expensive, research infrastructure, which would help drive innovation. We envision a future where researchers have unparalleled access to cutting-edge facilities, leading to a surge in research and indigenous product innovation.”

The key impact envisaged from Samavesha include,

Increased Indigenous Product Innovation: Collaborative synergy is expected to significantly boost innovation.

Knowledge Exchange Ecosystem: SAMAVESHA seeks to create a thriving knowledge exchange environment, driving research and development.

National Advancements: Breaking down access barriers, the event aspires to make India a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and homegrown advancements.

I-STEM looks forward to new institutions and researchers registering and participating in the event. The Existing active users are also encouraged to list equipment, execute FBRs, and share catalogues. Public users and research labs are encouraged to provide feedback during the event to inform future decisions about the I-STEM program.

  

 

  

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