Atal Innovation Mission
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country and was setup in 2016. Towards this end AIM has taken a holistic approach to ensure creation of a problem-solving innovative mindset in schools and creating an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in universities, research institutions, private and MSME sector. All the initiatives of AIM are currently monitored and managed systematically using real-time MIS systems and dynamic dashboards. AIM is also currently having its programs reviewed by third party agencies for ensuring continuous improvements.
Over the last 4 years, AIM has launched the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program. ATL is a state-of-the-art space established in a school with a goal to foster curiosity and innovation in young minds, between grade 6th to 12th across the country through 21st century tools and technologies such as Internet of Things, 3D printing, rapid prototyping tools, robotics, miniaturized electronics, do-it-yourself kits and many more. The aim is to stimulate a problem-solving innovative mindset within the children of the ATL and nearby communities. Till date, AIM has selected 10,000 schools in 680+ districts of the country for the establishment of ATLs. More than 7000 schools are funded till now and over 2 million students have access to ATLs.
To create an ever-evolving ecosystem of start-ups and entrepreneurs, AIM has been establishing world class incubators called Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) at universities. Institutions and corporates among others. These Centres aim to foster and support world class innovation, dynamic entrepreneurs who want to build scalable and sustainable enterprises. Till date AIM has successfully operationalized 68+ Atal Incubation Centres with universities / institutions / private players and each of the AIC believes to foster creation and nurturing of about 50+ world class Startups every four years. The AIC supports the incubated startups by providing technical facilities, resource-based support, Mentorships, funding support, partnerships and networking, co-working spaces and lab facilities among others. So far 1800+ operational startups have been supported by these AICs of which 500+ startups are women led and have created 15,000+ jobs in the ecosystem.
To promote the benefits of technology led innovation to the unserved/underserved regions of India including Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, aspirational districts, tribal, hilly and coastal areas, AIM is setting up Atal Community Innovation Centres with a unique partnership driven model wherein AIM would grant upto Rs 2.5 crores to an ACIC subject to a partner proving equal or greater matching funding. Over 650+ Applications have been received from across the country and 50+ ACICs will be established during the next two years. Currently, 24 ACIC applications are undergoing due diligence and upon clearance they shall be established by March 2021.
To create product and service innovations having national socio-economic impact, AIM has launched over 24 Atal New India Challenges in partnership with five different ministries and departments of central government. 52 applicants were shortlisted for grant in aid support and hand holding by Incubators / mentors of AIM out of 950+ applications received for the same. 13 innovations have been supported with grant-in-aid till date and others are undergoing due diligence process.
To promote innovation in a phased manner in the MSME/Startup sector AIM has launched 15 ARISE-ANIC challenges along with partner Ministries (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian Space Research Organisation, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Food Processing Industries) to improve research capabilities in the startup and MSME eco system. As part of this deserving ideas will be converted to viable innovative prototypes followed by product development and commercial deployment. 160 applicants have been shortlisted and are currently undergoing evaluations.
To enable all the initiatives to succeed AIM has launched one of the largest mentor engagement and management program "Mentor India – The Mentors of Change". To date AIM has over 10000+ registrations nationwide on the AIM INNONET portal with 4000+ of them allocated to ATLs and AICs