• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), with an enhanced scope of work and allocated budget of Rs 2,750 crore, till March 31, 2028.

• AIM 2.0 aims to expand, strengthen, and deepen India’s already vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

What is AIM 2.0?

• AIM 2.0 is designed to strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in three ways by increasing input, by improving the success rate or ‘throughput’, and by improving the quality of ‘output’.

• With India at 39th rank on the Global Innovation Index and home to the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, the statement said the next phase of AIM 2.0 is expected to further enhance India's global competitiveness.

Key Initiatives Under AIM 2.0

1) Language-Inclusive Innovation: The Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI) aims to establish innovation hubs in 22 scheduled languages, fostering creativity among non-English-speaking innovators.

2) Expanding Access Through the Frontier Program: Plans to launch 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the North East, and Aspirational Districts, bridging the innovation divide in underserved areas.

3) Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem: 

• Professional Development: Focuses on training key personnel, including managers, teachers, and trainers, to enhance the innovation framework.

• Research Sandbox: Supports the commercialization of deep-tech startups requiring long-term investments.

• State-Level Support: Enhances state innovation ecosystems under NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission.

• Global Engagement: Expands India’s innovation footprint globally through initiatives like the Global Tinkering Olympiad and collaborations with WIPO, the G20, and other advanced nations.

4) Enhancing Output Quality: 

• Industrial Accelerator Program: Develops 10 accelerators in critical sectors via Public-Private Partnerships to scale advanced startups.

• Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): Establishes 10 platforms akin to iDEX across central ministries to promote startup integration and procurement in key industries.

What is Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)?

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), set up in 2016, is government’s flagship initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, colleges and society at large and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

• 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.

Key programs under AIM: 

• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): Innovation spaces established in schools (grades 6–12) to nurture creativity among students through hands-on tools such as 3D printers and other advanced technologies.

• Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): Business incubators designed to support startups by providing mentorship, access to funding, and technical guidance, fostering entrepreneurial growth.

• Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs): Focused on innovation in underserved areas, these centers target Tier 2/3 cities, tribal regions, and backward districts to promote inclusive growth.

• Atal New India Challenges (ANIC): This initiative encourages technology-driven solutions to national challenges by offering funding, mentorship, and support for innovative ideas.

• Mentor India: A network of over 6,200 mentors from diverse sectors dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and innovators in various AIM programs.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)