I-STEM Launches 'V-LABS' to Transform R&D Landscape in India; Check Details Here

I-STEM, an initiative from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, has launched the 'V-LABS' Initiative to revolutionise research and development in India. Know details here

I-STEM, an initiative from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has launched 'V-LABS' (Vertically Aggregating Labs). This platform connects researchers, startups, and industries with a vast network of labs and equipment, reducing capital expenditure and preventing duplication of resources at a national level.

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.

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 initiative was launched in Kerala in the presence of 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.

V-LABS Initiatives

The 'V-LABS' initiative represents a major shift in scientific resource allocation. By organising events and workshops, V-LABS curates detailed information on scientific and engineering equipment and labs, categorized by domain. This data is integrated into the I-STEM portal, allowing researchers, startups, and industries to efficiently find and access the necessary resources.

Highlighting the 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.”

Outcomes from V-LABS Initiative

• Enhanced Accessibility
• Cost Efficiency
• Resource Optimisation
• Data-Driven Insights

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

‘Oorja’, the inaugural sub-brand under V-LABS was launched at the Energy Management Centre (EMC), an autonomous institution under the Government of Kerala 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.

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