From Campus to Catalyst: NIT Calicut Takes the Lead in Kerala’s Next Chapter of Scientific Access

As the first I-STEM Catalyst Center, the institute will anchor national research tools in local hands, building pathways for startups, industry, and academia to work without infrastructure barriers

National Institute of Technology Calicut has stepped into a pioneering role that places it at the intersection of national science policy and local innovation. At the flagship I-STEM outreach event, SAMAVESHA 11, held on campus from August 5 to 6, the institute was formally announced as India’s first I-STEM Catalyst Center.
The Indian Science, Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM), supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, is designed to democratise access to publicly funded research infrastructure. By choosing NIT Calicut as its first Catalyst Center, I-STEM is anchoring its mission in a regional hub that will serve Kerala’s researchers, innovators, and industry players.

Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of I-STEM, described the Catalyst model as “living laboratories” – spaces that bring high-end tools, hands-on training, and collaborative projects directly to local users. The aim is to bridge the gap between world-class infrastructure and those who have the ideas but lack the facilities to execute them.
The new role means NIT Calicut will act as a node for boosting the utilisation of advanced scientific equipment, increasing the visibility of underused resources, and enabling partnerships that span academia, industry, startups, and government bodies.

Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NIT Calicut, called it a chance to narrow India’s scientific divide. “Becoming the first Catalyst Center gives us a responsibility to bring these capabilities to the grassroots,” he said. “It is about creating opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that world-class infrastructure serves the widest possible community.”
Over two days, SAMAVESHA 11 showcased the institute’s research facilities, conducted equipment demonstrations, and trained participants on using the I-STEM portal for booking and managing access. Delegates included faculty, R&D organisations, startups, and innovators from across Kerala, signalling a broad base of engagement from the outset.
With NIT Calicut now holding the role for Kerala, I-STEM plans to replicate the model across India, ensuring that access to science is no longer dictated by geography.

About I-STEM
The Indian Science, Technology and Engineering facilities Map is a national platform to list and provide open access to publicly funded R&D facilities, improving utilisation and fostering collaboration.
About NIT Calicut
National Institute of Technology Calicut is a premier engineering institution known for research excellence, technology development, and regional engagement, with a strong role in India’s STEM ecosystem.

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