PSA Office and DPIIT Launch API Integration for Startup India and I-STEM Portals on November 6, 2026

On November 6, 2026, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), launched an application programming interface (API) integration between the Startup India Portal and the Indian Science, Technology and Engineering Facilities Map (I-STEM) Portal ^[2][14]. Chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the launch event brought together key officials including Scientific Secretary Dr. Parvinder Maini and DPIIT Additional Secretary Shri Ateesh Kumar Singh ^[2][14]. The integration aims to bridge the gap between India's emerging startup ecosystem and national research infrastructure by enabling DPIIT-recognised startups to discover and utilize specialized scientific, testing, and prototyping facilities ^[2][14].

What happened

The newly launched API integration connects the Startup India Portal directly with the I-STEM network, which as of November 6, 2026, lists 31,540 equipment items across 4,044 registered institutions ^[2][14]. The system features automated verification of DPIIT recognition status to streamline equipment searches and onboarding for startups ^[14][16]. While the digital interface simplifies discovery, individual access requests continue to be evaluated and approved by respective host institutions based on technical suitability, availability, applicable charges, safety requirements, and institutional permissions ^[14]. Subsequent phases of the project propose introducing Single Sign-On (SSO) functionality to further streamline direct access ^[14][16].

Why it matters

Integrating the platforms addresses core structural hurdles for deep-tech enterprises by reducing the need for independent capital investments in expensive equipment ^[2][16]. Prof. Sood noted that the initiative forms an institutional convergence designed to lower research and development (R&D) costs, prevent duplication of capital-intensive facilities, and maximize the utility of publicly funded scientific assets ^[2][15]. Dr. Maini and Shri Ateesh Kumar Singh both emphasized that the shared visibility into specialized testing and validation infrastructure fosters stronger industry-academia collaboration, supporting technology development for startups navigating early-stage barriers ^[2][14].

What to watch

Key areas for the initiative's future development include the rollout of the planned Single Sign-On (SSO) feature for the Startup India portal ^[14][16], ongoing onboarding and updates from participating research institutions ^[14], and the overall growth in equipment listings across the I-STEM database.

Sources

1. Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and DPIIT Launches API Integration between Startup India and I-STEM Portals to Strengthen Access to National Research Infrastructure: pib.gov.in
2. Office of Principal Scientific Adviser and DPIIT Launch API Integration between Startup India and I-STEM Portals | IBEF ibef.org
3. Government launches API integration between Startup India and I-STEM portals biospectrumindia.com
4. Startup India and I-STEM Portals Linked, Research Infrastructure Strengthened | Times of Rajasthan timesofrajasthan.in