‘V-LABS’ will connect researchers, startups, and industries with a vast network of labs and equipment across diverse sectors through its online portal, which will provide this data free of cost
DELHI, 25th July 2024: 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 revolutionary program aims to connect researchers, startups, and industries with a vast network of labs and equipment across diverse sectors. This will save the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment. At the National level, this prevents the duplication of scarce resources in the research institutions.
As part of this initiative, I-STEM hosted a new series of events called ‘OORJA’. This V-LAB series aims to aggregate equipment across various domains or verticals, incorporating insights from data analytics, including demand forecasting. The primary objective of the OORJA series was to onboard high-end energy-based equipment onto the I-STEM portal.
This pioneer initiative was launched recently in Kerala in the presence of 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
The ‘V-LABS’ initiative represents a paradigm shift in scientific resource allocation. It facilitates this shift through a series of events and workshops. Through V-LAB, I-STEM meticulously curates information on scientific and engineering equipment and labs, categorized by vertical or domain.
This curated data will be integrated into the I-STEM portal, enabling researchers, startups, and industries to efficiently discover and access the resources they require. Furthermore, I-STEM will leverage data analytics to identify high-demand scientific areas, allowing for expedited action and optimized resource utilization.
The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By the end of 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.
Highlighting the unique aspects of V-LABS initiative, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM, said, “Through meticulous curation and integration of data into the I-STEM portal, V-LABS ensures that our stakeholders can efficiently find and utilize the equipment or lab they need for research, prototype development, product development, testing, and certification. This initiative not only saves costs but also optimizes resource utilization, promoting a collaborative and resource-efficient research environment.”
Elaborating about the ‘V-LABS’ campaign, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, “This initiative will strengthen the national research ecosystem by ensuring the equitable distribution and efficient use of scientific resources across the country. It will also promote collaboration across different sectors by providing a shared platform for accessing and utilizing scientific resources.”
Further, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar said, “By strategically allocating scientific resources across the nation, this initiative will optimize the research ecosystem, fostering equitable access and maximizing efficiency. Analogous to creating specialized retail sections for high-demand products, we will empower specific research verticals with tailored equipment and Lab. This targeted approach will catalyze innovation and propel each domain to new heights.”
The Key Outcomes envisaged from V-LABS initiative include
Ø  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.
Ø  Cost Efficiency: Significant reduction in capital expenditure by eliminating the need for individual purchases of advanced equipment.
Ø  Resource Optimization: Prevention of resource duplication, ensuring the optimal use of existing scientific infrastructure.
Ø  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.
The ‘V-LABS’ campaign represents a groundbreaking step in I-STEM’s commitment to fostering innovation and scientific excellence across the nation. By providing remote access to a diverse array of laboratory resources, this initiative is democratizing science education and research, ensuring that students and researchers from even the most remote regions can engage with cutting-edge technology and methodologies.
This initiative not only bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application but also cultivates a culture of inquiry and experimentation. Through ‘V-LABS’ is empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible, driving forward our nation’s progress in science and technology.
‘OORJA’: LIGHTING THE WAY FORWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
I-STEM’s journey begins with a focus on energy. ‘Oorja’, the inaugural sub-brand under V-LABS, recently 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 critical role in promoting sustainable development by fostering efficient energy management practices.
The Oorja initiative has already onboarded crucial equipment in the Light and Luminaries Testing Unit and the Energy Meter Calibration Lab at the EMC. This translates to essential testing and certification services becoming readily available for startups, MSMEs, and established industries. I-STEM’s V-LABS initiative is poised to revolutionize access to centralized testing facilities, empowering these entities to thrive.
I-STEM’s vision extends far beyond the realm of energy. The initiative welcomes collaborations with private and state government-funded labs across various scientific domains, including biotechnology, immunology, material science, nanotechnology, and more. This collaborative effort will redefine the landscape of scientific and engineering facilities nationwide.
