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New Delhi 11th August 2025– The Indian Science, Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM), supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, officially announced National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut as the first I-STEM Catalyst Center.
The milestone was marked by the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between I-STEM and NIT Calicut during SAMAVESHA 11, the flagship I-STEM outreach and engagement event, held at the institute on August 5–6, 2025.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of I-STEM, highlighted the significance of this initiative, “The Catalyst Center model transforms institutions into living laboratories, enabling hands-on training, local innovation, industry collaboration, and inclusive outreach. By anchoring I-STEM’s national mission into the grassroots, we create a federated network of institutions that serve as change-makers in their regions.”
Catalyst Centers are envisioned as autonomous innovation hubs that decentralize access to high-end scientific infrastructure while aligning with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and Startup India. These Centers will play a key role in
- Boosting utilization of scientific infrastructure
- Enhancing visibility of underutilized research assets
- Driving community-centered innovation
- Facilitating collaborations between academia, industry, and government stakeholders
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut, emphasized, “ By becoming the first I-STEM Catalyst Center, NIT Calicut is set to play a pivotal role in bridging India’s scientific infrastructure divide, driving innovation, and fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and startups at the grassroots level.”
The two-day SAMAVESHA 11 event brought together researchers, faculty, startups, and R&D institutions from across Kerala. Day 1 included lab tours, equipment demonstrations, expert sessions and the Catalyst Center announcement, while Day 2 focused on I-STEM portal training and institutional onboarding.
With NIT Calicut now serving as a regional node for Kerala, I-STEM looks forward to further expanding its Catalyst Center network across India to accelerate innovation, foster collaboration, and democratize access to science.
