Context:
The Union Cabinet approved continuing the flagship initiative “The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)” under NITI Aayog as AIM 2.0, with an allocated budget of ₹2,750 crore until March 31, 2028.
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Objective: AIM 2.0 aims to strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
- The new phase will focus on filling ecosystem gaps, scaling successful initiatives and improving the input, success rate and quality of innovation.
- Building on AIM 1.0’s successes, such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs),
- AIM 2.0 focuses on three key goals:
- Increasing input: Attract more innovators and entrepreneurs
- Improving throughput: Help startups succeed
- Improving output quality: Produce better jobs, products and services
- Key programs under AIM 2.0 include:
- Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): Support innovation in 22 scheduled languages by establishing 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers in existing incubators.
- Frontier Program: Focus on regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Northeastern states by creating 2,500 new ATLs.
- Human Capital Development Program: Train 5,500 professionals to support the ecosystem.
- Deeptech Reactor: Foster commercialization of deep tech startups through research and investment.
- State Innovation Mission (SIM): Strengthen innovation at the state/UTs level.
- International Innovation Collaborations: Promote global partnerships and innovation through initiatives like the Annual Global Tinkering Olympiad and anchoring Startup20 Engagement group of the G20 for India.
- Industrial Accelerator Program: Involve industries in scaling startups, creating 10 industry accelerators.
- Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): Create platforms (like iDEX) in ministries to integrate startups into key sectors.
- AIM 2.0 is expected to boost India’s global competitiveness, as the country ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index.