The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering Facilities Map, accessible at istem.gov.in, is a national initiative inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3, 2020. This "One Nation, One Research" platform serves as a comprehensive inventory of R&D infrastructure across the country. Users can register online, browse equipment catalogs, and download the mobile application via the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS). Currently, the portal hosts information on over 20,000 pieces of equipment distributed across approximately 850 Indian institutions.
The I-STEM website acts as a central hub for researchers seeking specific R&D facilities within India. The platform helps users identify the most convenient or available equipment, facilitating easier access for scientific projects. Key participating organizations include the OPSA, DST, MeitY, UGC, and MHRD.
Managed by the Nanoscience Center at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the IP-protected I-STEM portal was officially launched during the 107th Indian Science Congress held at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru.
Online Registration for I-STEM
The I-STEM platform bridges the gap between researchers and available resources. By utilizing the interactive maps, scientists can pinpoint the exact facilities required for their work. Once a facility is identified, users can reserve it online through a secure payment system, ensuring transparent access to R&D assets nationwide. The registration steps for the scientific community are outlined below:
STEP 1: Access the official portal at https://www.istem.gov.in/
STEP 2: On the homepage, select the "Sign-In / Register" button or visit https://www.istem.gov.in/register directly.
STEP 3: Choose between the individual researcher registration or the institution/resource registration options as displayed on the screen.
