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Open Calls for Institutions

I-STEM Catalyst Center: Opportunity for Institutions to Apply
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Become a regional hub for scientific collaboration and shared access to research facilities.

The I-STEM Catalyst Center initiative empowers institutions across India to create strong scientific ecosystems by connecting academia, startups, and industries with shared R&D resources, advanced equipment, and collaborative programs.

Catalyst Centers strengthen research capacity, enable innovation-driven growth, and promote inter-institutional collaboration at a national level.


Institutions committed to strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem can fill out the application form below:

Fill out the Form to Apply

About the Catalyst Center Initiative

The Catalyst Center initiative democratizes research access and builds an interconnected scientific ecosystem. Hosting a Catalyst Center allows your institution to serve as a central hub for collaboration and innovation across your region.

  • Shared access to advanced research equipment
  • Cross-institutional partnerships and MoUs
  • Training, workshops, and outreach programs
  • Industry–academia–startup engagement
  • Regional research empowerment & knowledge sharing

Types of I-STEM Catalyst Centers

  • Physical Catalyst Center: A physical hub for researchers, startups, and industries.
    Value Add: Hands-on training, events, in-person innovation programs.
  • Virtual Catalyst Center: A fully digital coordination model.
    Value Add: Remote support, digital outreach, scalable engagement.
  • Catalyst Center-X (Industry & Startups): A model bridging academia & industry.
    Value Add: Applied research, tech commercialization, industry partnerships.

Functions of an I-STEM Catalyst Center

  • Maintain updated facility and equipment listings on I-STEM
  • Onboard nearby institutions onto the platform
  • Coordinate inter-institutional access and MoUs
  • Organize workshops, training sessions, and outreach events
  • Support researchers and address user queries
  • Facilitate industry–academia–startup collaboration

Expectations from Participating Institutions

  • Proactive engagement in building the I-STEM ecosystem
  • Provide minimal space and staff support
  • Commit to listing equipment and resources on the I-STEM portal
  • Collaborate with regional institutions
  • Provide timely reports & updates
  • Deliver high-quality workshops and training programs

Benefits of Becoming a Catalyst Center

  • National recognition as an official I-STEM Catalyst Center
  • Enhanced visibility as a regional innovation leader
  • Connection to India’s national R&D network
  • Opportunities for joint projects & partnerships
  • Operational and technical support from I-STEM
  • Capacity-building through mentorship and expert guidance

Who Should Apply?

  • Universities
  • Engineering & science colleges
  • Research laboratories
  • Institutions with active innovation ecosystems
  • Institutions driving regional scientific collaboration

The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) is an interactive web portal designed to accelerate scientific progress in India. This initiative, conceived and supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, creates a centralized platform for sharing publicly funded R&D equipment and facilities across various institutions throughout the country.

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