On November 6, 2026, India announced an integration between the Startup India portal and I-STEM, its map of scientific and engineering facilities. The link helps startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade find facilities for research, prototyping and testing. The host institution still decides whether to approve an individual request. The announcement describes single sign-on as a proposed later phase.

Conceptual illustration of a prototype engineer and a microscope; not a photograph of a listed facility.
Conceptual illustration of a prototype engineer and a microscope; not a photograph of a listed facility.

Check the instrument before requesting time

I-STEM’s FAQ says a search result can still show equipment marked down. Check the equipment status, model, host department and usage rate before planning work. The listed rate may depend on the kind of user, analysis and billing unit. Ask the host what it needs to judge your sample and method, and confirm the relevant charges and safety requirements.

Read the booking status

The Facility Booking Record tracks progress. I-STEM’s FAQ lists Pending, Slot Allocated, Executed, Rejected and Cancelled as separate states. Keep a pending request out of the confirmed project schedule. Once a slot is allocated, confirm the date, sample handoff and any conditions with the host before arranging work that depends on it.

A fictional prototype test

Imagine a startup needs a microscope to check a coating on three samples. It finds a suitable listing and submits a request, but the record still says Pending. The team can prepare the samples and clarify the measurement method. It should keep travel and the downstream review provisional until the host confirms the slot. This example describes planning, not an actual booking.

  • Equipment: record the model, method and host contact.
  • Sample: document dimensions, preparation and handling requirements.
  • Cost: confirm the billing unit and what the quoted rate covers.
  • Timing: record the booking status and the confirmed slot separately from the expected report date.

The portal integration makes it easier to find a lab. A project schedule becomes firmer when the host confirms what can be tested, on which date, and under what conditions.

For startups evaluating quantum-computing research access, the IBM Chicago guide lists the backend, program eligibility, capacity and access window to confirm before planning a run.

Is the lab slot allocated?

Primary sources

Press Information Bureau: November 6 integration announcement

I-STEM FAQ: equipment listings, rates and booking status

I-STEM Facility Booking Record status lookup