The Indian academic community has reason to celebrate as they now can access the MATLAB software suite for free via a pioneering initiative on the Indian Science Technology and Engineering facilities Map (I-STEM) portal. This marks the first time such an opportunity has been made available in the country, opening new doors for students and researchers alike.
Understanding MATLAB
MATLAB, a proprietary multi-paradigm programming language developed by MathWorks, is widely recognized as a prominent numeric computing environment with over 4 million global users. Its varied functionalities include matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementing algorithms, creating user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in different languages.
The Implication of this Development
Hosting the MATLAB software suite on the I-STEM’s cloud server enhances its accessibility across India, aiming at providing an easy-to-use platform for all. It is a significant step towards assisting students and researchers from remote and less-endowed institutions, thereby promoting improved learning outcomes and fostering Research & Development (R&D) efforts across the nation.
A Look at the I-STEM Portal
The I-STEM portal serves as a national conduit for sharing R&D facilities. It was launched in January 2020 as an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser under the guidance of the Prime Minister Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) mission. The portal’s functionality extends beyond facilitating equipment usage, allowing researchers to share their work outcomes like patents, publications, and technologies.
The Extension and Evolution of I-STEM
In July 2021, the I-STEM project received an extension for another five years until 2026, leading to the commencement of its second phase with added features. The overarching goal of I-STEM is to strengthen India’s R&D ecosystem by linking researchers with necessary resources. The first phase of the portal listed over 20,000 pieces of equipment from across 1050 institutions in the country and served over 20,000 Indian researchers.
The Objectives of Phase-II
In the second phase, I-STEM aims to host a digital catalogue featuring indigenous technology products. In addition, it will provide access to selected R&D software required for research projects and serve as a platform for City Knowledge and Innovation Clusters to optimize R&D infrastructure use through collaborations and partnerships within a shared Science Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.
Revitalizing Research and Innovation
The new phase is designed to be a dynamic digital platform aiming to invigorate research and innovation, particularly in 2nd and 3rd tier cities, as well as within emerging start-ups. In the quest for educational enhancement, the Government of India also offers the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), an electronic e-educational platform offering a wide range of courses from high school to postgraduate stage in an interactive electronic format.
Moving Towards Quality Educational Accessibility
SWAYAM is a worthy initiative by the Government of India, geared towards providing affordable, quality education to citizens free of charge. It exemplifies the continuous strive towards making education more accessible, following the same vein as the I-STEM initiative with the MATLAB software suite. Together, these platforms represent the commitment to strengthening the educational fabric of the nation.