Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – Explore Mission, objectives, Activities and Application Process

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Indian government’s initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. AIM aims to foster a culture of creativity and business innovation by implementing policies and programs that encourage collaboration among various stakeholders. The mission also establishes a centralized organization to oversee and manage the nation’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

What is Atal Innovation Mission?

The NITI Aayog introduced Atal Innovation Mission to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation nationwide. This program emerged after thorough analysis of India’s future needs in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship. AIM plays a crucial role in aligning innovation policies from Central, State, and Sectoral Innovation Schemes. It focuses on creating an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at different levels, including schools, higher education institutions, industries, corporate sector, and NGOs.

AIM’s Key Objectives

• Prioritizes innovation across various industries
• Provides a platform for collaboration among different parties
• Acts as a supervising body for managing and safeguarding the entire innovation ecosystem in the nation

Achievements of Atal Innovation Mission

AIM has achieved significant milestones, including:

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• Formation of over 350 collaborations to support the expansion of the nation’s innovation ecosystem
• Collaboration with NASSCOM to develop an AI-based curriculum for school students
• Establishment of nearly 5000 Atal Tinkering Labs benefiting over 2.5 million children
• Creation of Mentor India, one of the largest mentoring networks in the country

AIM’s Activities

Some key activities of Atal Innovation Mission include:

1. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs):
   • Aimed at fostering creativity and improving skill sets in schools
   • Provides resources and equipment for learning STEM concepts
   • Located in government, private, and society-managed schools
2. Atal New India Challenge (ANIC):
   • Encourages innovation in areas such as energy, water, housing, health, and hygiene
   • Supports MSMEs and startups in developing technologies for social objectives
3. Atal Incubation Centres (AICs):
   • Supports startup businesses for stability and scalability
   • Provides funds up to Rs. 10 crores for establishing greenfield incubators
4. Atal Community Innovation Centre:
   • Focuses on disadvantaged areas lacking support for innovation and startups
5. Mentor of Change Program:
   • Establishes mentoring networks for student mentorship in ATL and ATC incubators
   • Collaborates with mentors globally to provide guidance to students

Challenges Faced by AIM

In a diverse country like India, AIM faces challenges in promoting innovative thinking and problem-solving at various levels. To address this, incentives for innovative thinking must be provided at municipal, state, and federal levels.

Application Process for Atal Innovation Mission

The application process involves:

1. Invitations via Online Portal:
   • Schools submit ATL applications online within a specified timeframe.
2. Screening of Applications:
   • Applications are processed based on eligibility criteria, including infrastructure and committed teachers.
3. Final Evaluation:
   • Schools are evaluated for their dedication to leveraging ATL as an innovation center.
   • Selected schools are listed on the AIM website, and funding depends on compliance with authorities.

In summary, Atal Innovation Mission plays a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across India through a variety of initiatives and programs.