The One District One Equipment (ODOE) initiative has been introduced to enhance the accessibility of scientific equipment for researchers, startups, and industries across India. Launched as part of the National Science Day celebrations, this initiative is a significant component of the I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) project.
The primary goal of the ODOE programme is to facilitate access to advanced scientific equipment, thereby alleviating the financial burden associated with purchasing costly research tools. This initiative aims to prevent resource duplication and promote optimal usage of existing facilities within research institutions.
Under this programme, researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry professionals can rent or utilize scientific equipment from academic institutions registered on the I-STEM portal. These institutions list their laboratories and equipment, making them available for external use under the ODOE initiative.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is spearheading the implementation of this programme under the I-STEM initiative.
I-STEM serves as a national initiative that maps scientific, technological, and engineering facilities across India. It plays a crucial role in connecting users with institutions that offer access to research equipment, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
According to I-STEM data, lab equipment valued at over ₹1,500 crore in 167 out of 192 districts remains underutilized. The initiative seeks to maximize the usage of these valuable resources.
The I-STEM initiative currently includes 27,730 users, comprising researchers, industry professionals, and startups, along with 2,350 research and academic institutions providing laboratory facilities.
As part of the I-STEM proposal, academic institutions are expected to allocate at least 30% of their total lab time for external users, including startups, industries, and rural innovators.
The theme for National Science Day 2025 is “Empowering Indian youth for global leadership in science and innovation for Viksit Bharat.” This theme underscores the importance of scientific and technological progress as the foundation for a self-reliant and globally competitive India.
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