I-STEM Launches ‘V-LABS’ Initiative To Revolutionize R&D In India

I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map), an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has launched a ground-breaking platform called ‘V-LABS’ (Vertically Aggregating Labs). This program aims to connect researchers, startups, and industries with labs and equipment across diverse sectors to save capital expenditure on purchasing advanced equipment.

As part of this initiative, I-STEM hosted a series of events, ‘OORJA’. This V-LAB series aggregates equipment across various domains or verticals. The primary objective of the OORJA series is to register high-end energy-based equipment on the I-STEM portal. This initiative was launched in Kerala in the presence of dignitaries including Mr. Dinesh Kumar A.N., Joint Director, Kerala Energy Management Centre, Subhash Babu – Registrar, Kerala Energy Management Centre, Johnson Daniel – Project head, Kerala Energy Management Centre, and Rajeev K.R., Anoop Surendran, Energy Technologists, along with other members of the Kerala Energy Management Centre, team.

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The ‘V-LABS’ initiative represents a paradigm shift in scientific resource allocation through events and workshops. This will curate information on scientific equipment and labs, categorized by vertical or domains in India. The data curated through them will be integrated with the I-STEM portal enabling researchers, startups, and industries to access the resources they require. This will expedite action and optimize resource utilization.

The vision of I-STEM is to connect one million new-age researchers to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By the end of 2024, I-STEM aims to connect individuals to equipment and establish a collaborative ecosystem for start ups, industries and academics.

The ‘V-LABS’ will democratise the scientific education and research, ensuring that students from even the most remote regions can engage with the cutting-edge technology and methods. This will help in bridge the gap between theoratical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, of I-STEM, said that through meticulous curation and integration of data into the I-STEM portal, V-LABS ensures that researchers can find and utlise equipments efficiently. He further added, this initiative will strengthen the national research ecosystem by ensuring the equitable distribution and utilisation of scientific resources across the country. This will also promote collaboration across various sectors by providing a shared platform to access and utilize scientific resources.

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The Key Outcomes outlined under the V-LABS initiative include

• 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.
• Cost Efficiency: Significant reduction in capital expenditure by eliminating the need for individual purchases of advanced equipment.
• Resource Optimization: Prevention of resource duplication, ensuring the optimal use of existing scientific infrastructure.
• 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.

‘OORJA’: LIGHTING THE WAY FORWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

I-STEM’s journey begins with a focus on energy which envision to extend beyond the realm of energy. ‘Oorja’, the inaugural sub-brand under V-LABS, celebrated a successful launch at the Energy Management Centre (EMC), an autonomous institution under the Government of Kerala located in Thiruvananthapuram. The EMC plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development by fostering efficient energy management practices.