Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

In 2016, NITI Aayog launched the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
The enhanced AIM 2.0 initiative, with an expanded scope and a budget allocation of ₹2,750 crore, has been approved by the Union Cabinet to run until March 31, 2028. AIM aims to establish and nurture a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at various levels, including schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industries across the country.
It was an honor for WOL3D to participate in AIM 1.0, during which we set up 3D printing labs in educational institutions.

AIM 2.0

As mentioned, AIM is back with its second installment and a higher budget to continue the innovation culture. However, this time, there are additional functions focusing on multiple areas.

AIM 1.0 vs AIM 2.0: Expanding India’s Innovation Ecosystem

AIM 1.0

Under AIM 1.0, efforts focused on creating foundational innovation infrastructure to support India’s emerging innovation ecosystem.

AIM 2.0

In contrast, AIM 2.0 aims to bridge existing gaps in the ecosystem and scale successful initiatives in collaboration with central and state governments, industry, academia, and communities. Its goals are to strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by:

  1. Increasing Input: Encouraging more innovators and entrepreneurs.
  2. Improving Throughput: Enhancing the success rate of startups.
  3. Improving Output Quality: Delivering better jobs, products, and services.

Key Programs under AIM 2.0

Increasing Input

  • Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): Establishing 30 vernacular innovation centers in India’s 22 scheduled languages to make innovation and entrepreneurship accessible to non-English speakers.
  • Frontier Program: Developing region-specific innovation templates for Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, the North East, and aspirational districts, with 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).

Improving Throughput

  1. Human Capital Development Program: Training 5,500 professionals to manage and sustain the ecosystem.
  2. Deeptech Reactor: Piloting a sandbox for research-driven deep tech startups, with a minimum of one reactor.
  3. State Innovation Mission (SIM): Supporting states and UTs in building innovation ecosystems tailored to their strengths.
  4. International Innovation Collaborations: Expanding India’s global footprint with initiatives like the Global Tinkering Olympiad, bilateral partnerships, and contributions to international organizations like WIPO.

Improving Output Quality

  1. Industrial Accelerator Program: Establishing at least 10 public-private partnership accelerators in critical sectors.
  2. Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): Creating 10 iDEX-style platforms for integrating startups into central ministries.

AIM 1.0 Achievements

  1. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): Over 10,000 labs engaging 1.1 crore+ students, promoting creativity and problem-solving.
  2. Atal Incubation Centers (AICs): 72 centers supporting 3,500+ startups and creating over 32,000 jobs.
  3. Community Innovation Centers: 14 centers extending innovation benefits to underserved regions.
  4. Mentorship: 6,200+ mentors guiding startups and students.

AIM Programs Overview

  1. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): Creative workspaces for school students equipped with DIY kits in cutting-edge technologies.
  2. Atal Incubators (AICs): Supporting startups with funding, mentorship, and infrastructure in universities, NGOs, and industries.
  3. Community Innovation Centers: Partner-driven initiatives in underserved regions, promoting grassroots innovation.
  4. New India Challenges and Grand Challenges: Encouraging technology-driven solutions in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture.
  5. Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC: Addressing sector-specific problems through startup-driven innovation.

Vision and Future Scope

The enhanced scope under AIM 2.0 ensures greater inclusivity, targeted regional focus, and global collaboration. It aims to position India as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering sustainable growth and creating transformative solutions. WOL3D is looking for a similar opportunity to work on the project this year.
Tags: AIM, AIM 2.0, AIM 1.0