Introduction to Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

- The Union Cabinet has endorsed the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under the guidance of NITI Aayog.

- With an increased budget of Rs. 2,750 crore, AIM 2.0 has been launched to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem until 2028.

- Building on the success of AIM, which includes Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), AIM 2.0 will pilot and scale new initiatives to further deepen and expand India's innovation and enterprise ecosystem.

 

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0: Key Programs

- The key programs under AIM 2.0 include the following diverse schemes:

   - The Language Inclusive Program of Innovation aims to establish vernacular innovation centres in 22 scheduled languages.

   - The Frontier Program aims to create 2500 new ATLs in underserved regions.

   - Training managers, teachers, and trainers for the innovation ecosystem, and creating a research sandbox for deep tech start-ups.

   - The state-level innovation ecosystem will be strengthened through NITI Aayog's State Support Mission.

   - Worldwide expansion of India's innovation ecosystem through affiliations with advanced nations and partnerships with international bodies like the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and G20.

 

Programs for Improved Output Quality

- The Industrial Accelerator Program aims to enhance advanced startups by creating 10 accelerators in pivotal sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

- The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads program seeks to establish 10 iDEX-like platforms across central ministries to engage and procure startups for key industries.

 

Atal Innovation Mission: Background and Key Programs  

- AIM was introduced by NITI Aayog in 2016 to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering a problem-solving conscience in students and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities and research institutes.

- Key Programs under AIM include Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), Atal New India Challenges (ANIC), and Mentor India.

- The Mentor India engagement has more than 6,200 mentors across sectors to guide entrepreneurs and innovators under AIM’s programs.

 

India's Global Innovation Standing

- India currently ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index and is the third-largest hub for startup ecosystems in the world. This indicates the significant potential and scope for AIM and AIM 2.0 to further drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.