I-STEM is a National Portal, which assists researchers to locate the specific facility(ies) they need for their R&D work. The portal also assists in shortlisting and identifying the facilities based on distance and time of availability.
I-STEM is a national digital initiative enabling equitable access to publicly funded scientific research infrastructure across India.
Operated under the strategic direction of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, I-STEM connects researchers, institutions, startups, and industry with advanced R&D facilities hosted across the country.
- The Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) project, an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, is a National Portal for sharing of publicly funded scientific equipment available at R&D and Academic institutions.
- Launched by Hon’ble PM on Jan 2020, the I-STEM portal facilitates sharing of costly R&D resources/equipment/software with all institutions including tier-2/tier-3 institutions in order to optimize the usage of these resources across the country by researchers and start-ups.
I-STEM Portal is being implemented in two phases and has the registration from 56782 users, and more than 30249 instruments are uploaded by 3812 institutes PAN-India as on date.
To establish India as a global leader in equitable scientific innovation by democratizing access to advanced research infrastructure and fostering a dynamic R&D ecosystem that seamlessly connects academia, industry, and grassroots innovators.
To transform India’s scientific landscape through a unified digital platform that promotes transparency, inclusivity, and accountability while ensuring the optimal utilization of publicly funded research facilities—driving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and strengthening India’s global innovation footprint.
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"capacityBuilding": {
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Policy Mandate
As per Department of Expenditure O.M. dated 03.07.2025, all funding agencies are required to ensure that publicly funded equipment costing above ₹20 lakh is mandatorily listed on the I-STEM portal.
National I-STEM Footprint (as on 31 March 2026)
These figures reflect the growing adoption of I-STEM as a national mechanism for sharing publicly funded R&D infrastructure.
To support awareness, correct usage, and inclusive access to the I-STEM-stem programme, structured capacity-building and operational guidance resources have been initiated under the I-STEM National Portal initiative.
Official, multilingual explainer and demonstration videos are provided through I-STEM’s official YouTube channel to help researchers, institutions, startups, and industry users understand the purpose of I-STEM and the broad process for accessing shared research infrastructure. Content is available in English and selected Indian languages, with phased expansion.
A standardised operational reference for equipment custodians and participating institutions, outlining roles and responsibilities, standard operating practices, best practices, and governance requirements under the I-STEM programme.
A standardised operational reference for users to search Equipment and book a slot through I-STEM portal; this handbook is designed as a practical reference guide to help users understand, navigate, and effectively utilise the facilities that the platform offers.