Govt Greenlights Extension of Atal Innovation Mission with ₹2,750 Crore Investment

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Nov. In a significant move to bolster India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog with a revised scope and a budget allocation of ₹2,750 crore for the period until March 31, 2028.

The second phase, AIM 2.0, is designed to build on the successes of its predecessor, Atal Innovation Mission 1.0, and is in line with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). The renewed mission aims to further strengthen and deepen India’s innovation landscape, advancing the country’s position as a global leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

India currently ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index and boasts the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. AIM 2.0 is expected to enhance India’s global competitiveness by fostering a culture of innovation across various sectors, creating high-impact services, innovative products, and better job opportunities.

Key Features of AIM 2.0:

1. Increasing Input: AIM 2.0 focuses on increasing the number of innovators and entrepreneurs through two major programs:
   • Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): To promote innovation in India’s 22 scheduled languages, aiming to lower entry barriers for innovators and entrepreneurs who do not speak English. This initiative will establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers.
   • Frontier Program: Designed to develop customized innovation templates for regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts. The program will create 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).
2. Improving Throughput: To ensure higher success rates for start-ups, the following programs will be introduced:
   • Human Capital Development Program: Aiming to produce 5,500 professionals capable of building and maintaining India’s innovation ecosystem.
   • Deeptech Reactor: A research sandbox for commercializing deep-tech startups that require longer incubation.
   • State Innovation Mission (SIM): A national initiative to help states develop innovation ecosystems aligned with their unique strengths.
   • International Innovation Collaborations Program: This will focus on global partnerships, including an Annual Global Tinkering Olympiad, bilateral engagements, and participation in the Startup20 Group during India’s G20 presidency.
3. Improving Quality of Output: AIM 2.0 aims to produce better jobs, products, and services through:
   • Industrial Accelerator Program: To increase industry involvement in scaling up advanced startups, with at least 10 industry accelerators to be created in public-private partnership mode.
   • Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): These will act as platforms for central ministries to procure solutions from startups, with a minimum of 10 launchpads being developed across key sectors.

The continuation of AIM, with its enhanced budget and strategic initiatives, reflects the government’s strong commitment to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem and supporting India’s aspirations to become a global innovation leader. With the support of these programs, the government hopes to drive economic growth, create quality jobs, and enhance India’s global standing in research and development.