Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://thestartupspectrum.com/union-cabinet-approves-atal-innovation-mission-2-0-with-inr-2750-cr-budget-till-march-2028/

Context:

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) till March 31, 2028.

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

It was launched in 2016 by NITI Ayog to develop and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, universities, research institutions, MSMEs, and industries.

Role of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) under AIM

Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are established in schools to encourage creativity and innovation by providing access to modern technology such as 3D printers, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The ATLs are being established across all districts in India, with a focus on providing innovative workspaces in schools.

"Mentor of Change" initiative under AIM

It is a program that offers free professional mentorship to students at Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).

"Mentors of Change" are volunteers for mentorship and to help students to learn future skills.

It promotes active collaboration among the government, academia, industry, individuals, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create an environment of innovation and mentorship.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0

The objective of AIM 2.0 is to expand and strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and contribute to India's vision of becoming a "Viksit Bharat" through increased global competitiveness and innovation.

How does AIM 2.0 differ from AIM 1.0 in terms of approach?

While AIM 1.0 focused on developing new innovation infrastructure, AIM 2.0 shifted its focus to piloting new initiatives to fill existing ecosystem gaps and expanding successful programs through collaborations with central and state governments, industry, academia, and the community.

AIM 2.0 aims to strengthen the ecosystem by:

Increasing input (bringing more innovators and entrepreneurs into the system).

Improving throughput (increasing the success rate of startups).

Enhancing output (producing better jobs, products, and services).

Two programs aimed at increasing input

The Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI) aims to create innovation ecosystems in 22 scheduled languages, lowering barriers for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who do not speak English. It includes the creation of 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers.

The Frontier Program aims to create customized innovation ecosystems in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts. It plans to establish 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in these areas.

Four programs focus on improving capacity

Human Capital Development Program	To establish a system for creating professionals (managers, teachers, and trainers) to build, operate, and maintain innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Deeptech Reactor	To establish a research sandbox for testing methods of commercializing research-based deep tech startups that require considerably more time and investment to reach the market.
State Innovation Mission (SIM)	To assist states/UTs in developing a strong innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that focuses on their areas of strength.
International Innovation Collaborations program	To expand innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems internationally. Four areas of intervention have been identified: Annual Global Tinkering Olympiad Establishment of ten bilateral and multilateral engagements with advanced nations As a knowledge partner, assisting the United Nations' World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in spreading the models of AIM and its programs (ATL, AIC) to countries in the global south. Anchoring the G20 Startup20 Engagement Group for India.

Two programs focus on improving the quality of output:

The Industrial Accelerator Program aims to increase industry involvement in expanding advanced startups. It seeks to establish at least ten Industry Accelerators in critical sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) Program aims to establish iDEX-like platforms in central ministries for integrating and procuring from startups in key industry sectors.

Way Forward

AIM 2.0 will boost India's global competitiveness by supporting the startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and assisting in the development of innovative products and services. It will also encourage international collaborations to establish India as a global innovation leader.

Must Read Articles:

ATAL INNOVATION MISSION

Source:

PIB