The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM), an initiative by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has launched the ‘V-LABS’ (Vertically Aggregating Labs) platform. This program connects researchers, startups, and industries with a network of labs and equipment across various sectors, democratizing access to advanced scientific resources. V-LABS aims to bring cutting-edge technology and methodologies to students and researchers, even in remote regions.
As part of this initiative, I-STEM introduced a new event series named ‘OORJA’, which recently held its inaugural event in Kerala. Attended by officials from the Kerala Energy Management Centre, the launch underscored the importance of efficient energy management and sustainable development. This V-LAB series aims to consolidate equipment across various domains using data analytics and demand forecasting. Its primary goal is to feature advanced energy-based equipment on the I-STEM portal. I-STEM envisions connecting one million innovative researchers to a network of 10,000 state-of-the-art labs across India. By the end of 2024, I-STEM seeks to not only provide access to these resources but also foster a collaborative ecosystem where startups, industries, and academia drive the next wave of innovation together.
According to Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator of I-STEM, the V-LABS initiative not only improves access to scientific resources but also leverages data analytics to identify high-demand areas, fostering a collaborative and resource-efficient research environment. The initiative is designed to enhance India’s research ecosystem by promoting the equitable distribution of resources and encouraging collaboration across various sectors, such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.
