Atal Innovation Mission

Context:

GOI’s Atal Innovation Mission argue that results so far have been excellent, including incubating apps like DigiYatra.

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a government of India initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. It was launched in 2016 by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

• About
  • Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, AIM promotes innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering a problem-solving mindset in students and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities and research institutions.
• Key Programs under AIM
  • Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): In schools, to inculcate innovation among students in grades 6-12 using tools such as 3D printing.
  • Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): Business incubators for startups with mentorship, funding, and technical support.
  • Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs): For the underserved regions, to innovate in Tier 2/3 cities, tribal areas, etc.
  • Atal New India Challenges (ANIC): Technology-based innovations for national challenges, funding, and mentorship.
  • Mentor India: Engages 6,200+ mentors across sectors to guide entrepreneurs and innovators under AIM’s programs.

Recent Update

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the continuation of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) with an increased budget of Rs. 2,750 crore, marking the launch of AIM 2.0 to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem until 2028.

• What is the AIM 2.0?
  • AIM 2.0: Building on AIM success, such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), AIM 2.0 seeks to scale and pilot new initiatives.
• Aims
  • It aims to expand and deepen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• India Ranks
  • India ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index and is home to the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem.

Key Programs Under AIM 2.0

• Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI)
  • Vernacular innovation centers in 22 scheduled languages for non-English-speaking innovators.
• Frontier Program
  • Creating 2500 new ATLs in underserved regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts.
• Programs Targeting Improving Ecosystem
  • Trains professionals (managers, teachers, trainers) for the innovation ecosystem.
• Enhance India’s Innovation Ecosystem
  • Enhance India’s innovation ecosystem worldwide through collaborations with developed countries, Global Tinkering Olympiad, and collaboration with United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and G20.
• Programmes for Enhanced Quality of Output
  • The Industrial Accelerator Programme intends to scale up advanced startups by establishing 10 accelerators in critical sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
• The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL)
  • The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) program will establish 10 iDEX-like platforms across central ministries to integrate and procure from startups in key industry sectors.