I-STEM, the Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map, is garnering attention globally for its pioneering initiative allowing researchers across India to access costly research equipment owned by government higher educational and research centers. Launched five years ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I-STEM has successfully registered 27,730 users and 2,350 research institutions, enabling researchers nationwide to utilize advanced equipment for collaborative research. This model has attracted interest from the European Union and the United States, considering similar collaborative programs. I-STEM’s success lies in its role in fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and economic development, as highlighted during the recent Samavesha event at the Indian Institute of Science. The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million researchers are seamlessly connected to a network of cutting-edge labs, fostering collaboration between start-ups, industries, and academia.
