I STEM is Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map and is an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India.

This will save the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment, say sources from I STEM.

Initiative

As part of this initiative, I STEM hosted a new series of events called ‘OORJA’.

This V-LAB series aims to aggregate equipment across various domains or verticals, incorporating insights from data analytics, including demand forecasting.

The primary objective of the OORJA series was to onboard high-end energy-based equipment onto the I STEM portal.

Launch

This pioneer initiative was launched recently in Kerala in the presence of Mr. Dinesh Kumar A.N., Joint Director, Kerala Energy Management Centre.

Also present were Subhash Babu – Registrar, Kerala Energy Management Centre, Johnson Daniel – Project head, Kerala Energy Management Centre, and Rajeev K.R., Anoop Surendran, Energy Technologists.

Also among those present were other members of the Kerala Energy Management Centre and team.

Shift

The ‘V-LABS’ initiative represents a paradigm shift in scientific resource allocation. It facilitates this shift through a series of events and workshops.

Through V-LAB, I STEM meticulously curates information on scientific and engineering equipment and labs, categorized by vertical or domain.

Integrated into I STEM

This curated data will be integrated into the I STEM portal, enabling researchers, startups, and industries to efficiently discover and access the resources they require.

Also Read – Top 20 Government Colleges in Chhattisgarh

Furthermore, I STEM will leverage data analytics to identify high-demand scientific areas, allowing for expedited action and optimized resource utilization.

By the end of 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.

Unique aspects

Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I STEM highlighted the unique aspects of V-LABS initiative.

Through meticulous curation and integration of data into the I STEM portal, V-LABS ensures that our stakeholders can efficiently find and utilize the equipment or lab they need for research, prototype development, product development, testing, and certification.

This initiative not only saves costs but also optimizes resource utilization, promoting a collaborative and resource-efficient research environment, said Dr Harilal of I STEM.

Campaign

Elaborating about the ‘V-LABS’ campaign, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, this initiative will strengthen the national research ecosystem by ensuring the equitable distribution and efficient use of scientific resources across the country.

It will also promote collaboration across different sectors by providing a shared platform for accessing and utilizing scientific resources, he said.

By strategically allocating scientific resources across the nation, this initiative will optimize the research ecosystem, fostering equitable access and maximizing efficiency, said Dr Harilal of I STEM.

Analogous to creating specialized retail sections for high-demand products, we will empower specific research verticals with tailored equipment and Lab, he said.

‘This targeted approach will catalyze innovation and propel each domain to new heights.’

Key outcomes

The Key Outcomes envisaged from V-LABS initiative include

Ø Enhanced Accessibility: Easy and efficient access to a comprehensive network of scientific and engineering equipment for researchers, startups, and industries in relevant domain verticals faster.

Ø Cost Efficiency: Significant reduction in capital expenditure by eliminating the need for individual purchases of advanced equipment.

Ø Resource Optimization: Prevention of resource duplication, ensuring the optimal use of existing scientific infrastructure.

Ø Data-Driven Insights: Utilization of data analytics to identify high-demand scientific areas, enabling quick and informed decision-making for uploading the maximum number of equipment for various R&D facilities and institutions to meet higher demand and effectively manage supply versus demand.

Groundbreaking step

The ‘V-LABS’ campaign represents a groundbreaking step in I STEM’s commitment to fostering innovation and scientific excellence across the nation.

By providing remote access to a diverse array of laboratory resources, this initiative is democratizing science education and research, ensuring that students and researchers from even the most remote regions can engage with cutting-edge technology and methodologies.

Bridging the gap

This initiative not only bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application but also cultivates a culture of inquiry and experimentation.

Through ‘V-LABS’ is empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible, driving forward our nation’s progress in science and technology.

The EMC plays a critical role in promoting sustainable development by fostering efficient energy management practices.

The Oorja initiative has already onboarded crucial equipment in the Light and Luminaries Testing Unit and the Energy Meter Calibration Lab at the EMC.

This translates to essential testing and certification services becoming readily available for startups, MSMEs, and established industries.

I-STEM’s V-LABS initiative is poised to revolutionize access to centralized testing facilities, empowering these entities to thrive.

I-STEM’s vision extends far beyond the realm of energy.

The initiative welcomes collaborations with private and state government-funded labs across various scientific domains, including biotechnology, immunology, material science, nanotechnology, and more.

This collaborative effort will redefine the landscape of scientific and engineering facilities nationwide.

I-STEM’s vision extends far beyond the realm of energy.

The initiative welcomes collaborations with private and state government-funded labs across various scientific domains, including biotechnology, immunology, material science, nanotechnology, and more.

This collaborative effort will redefine the landscape of scientific and engineering facilities nationwide.

BITS Pilani signed an agreement with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, on December 4. The areas of knowledge-sharing activities undertaken include workshops, seminars, and conferences to be conducted on national security fields, according to a statement from BITS Pilani.

The BITS Pilani statement also says that joint research work will be an area of focus for this collaboration. The Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) established at the BITS Pilani will facilitate the partnership.

Both institutes will also undertake research projects including short-term consultancy assignments to deal with industry issues and long-term initiatives to explore emerging and future areas. The collaborations will include the usage of lab infrastructures, faculty members, and research scholars.

BITS Pilani vice chancellor Ramgopal Rao was critical of the tie-up and stated: “Our partnership with DIAT Pune reflects a shared vision that through research and innovation, we can synergistically elevate the defence capability of India and give a technological push to India. Through CRENS we intend to address the veritable challenges and bring about self-reliance in the strategic sectors.

Also Read: SRCC Achieves Record-Breaking Placement Offers in 2024: 500+ Offers and Rs 43.42 Crore Package

BHVS Narayana Murthy, vice chancellor of DIAT Pune, stated: “DIAT Pune focuses on developing India’s technological defence capabilities by focused research, innovation, and skill development. BITS Pilani has always led the way for innovation, and our tie-up with the esteemed university will enable us to share resources and expertise to address many of the problems that are now challenging National Security and facilitate an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Conclusion

The partnership between BITS Pilani and DIAT Pune is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s national security and technological landscape. Through combining research, innovation, and skill development expertise, the two institutions aim to address critical challenges and enhance India’s defence capabilities. Initiatives such as joint research, certificate courses, and resource sharing will foster innovation and self-reliance in this collaboration. This partnership not only shows the importance of academia-industry synergy but also creates a benchmark for strategic collaborations in the building of a technologically robust and secure future for India.