Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Launched under the aegis of NITI Aayog, this mission aims to cultivate an environment where creative ideas and technological advancements can flourish. This article provides a comprehensive overview of AIM, its objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, and the application process.
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), established in 2016 under the NITI Aayog, is the Government of India’s flagship program aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. AIM focuses on cultivating problem-solving mindsets in schools and creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities, research institutions, private sectors, and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
सरल शब्दों में कहें तो, AIM का मकसद इनोवेशन और एंटरप्रेन्योरशिप को बढ़ावा देना है ताकि भारत को एक ग्लोबल इनोवेशन हब बनाया जा सके।
Key Objectives of Atal Innovation Mission
- To promote innovation among school students through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).
- To establish incubation centers, such as Atal Incubation Centres (AIC), that support start-ups and entrepreneurs.
- To nurture technology-driven solutions for national challenges through programs like the Atal New India Challenge (ANIC).
- To facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including public and private sectors, NGOs, and academia.
- To extend the benefits of innovation to underserved and rural areas through Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC).
Key Programs Under AIM
1. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL)
ATLs are modern labs set up in schools for students from classes 6 to 12. These labs provide tools and technologies such as 3D printers, robotics kits, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more to encourage creativity and innovation among young minds.
- Impact: Over 10,000 ATLs established across India.
- Financial Support: ₹20 lakhs per school for setting up the lab.
ATL छात्रों को नई तकनीक सीखने और अपने आइडियाज पर काम करने का मौका देता है।
2. Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)
AICs are business incubators designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in universities, institutions, and private entities. They provide mentorship, funding, technical support, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities.
- Impact: 72 AICs established, supporting over 3,500 start-ups.
- Financial Support: Up to ₹10 crores for each incubation center.
महत्व: ये सेंटर्स नए स्टार्टअप्स को आगे बढ़ने में मदद करते हैं, जिससे नौकरियों का निर्माण और आर्थिक विकास होता है।
3. Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC)
ACICs focus on unserved and underserved regions, such as Tier-2/3 cities, tribal areas, and coastal regions, to promote innovation. AIM provides funding of up to ₹2.5 crores, matched by an equal contribution from the partner institution.
- Impact: 14 ACICs established so far.
उद्देश्य: ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में तकनीकी इनोवेशन को बढ़ावा देना।
4. Atal New India Challenge (ANIC)
ANIC aims to identify and support start-ups working on technology-based solutions to national challenges. Selected start-ups receive funding of up to ₹1 crore and mentorship for commercialization.
- Impact: 53 start-ups supported under Phase 1, with 88 more shortlisted in Phase 2.
इस प्रोग्राम का उद्देश्य देश की समस्याओं को हल करने के लिए इनोवेटिव सॉल्यूशन्स विकसित करना है।
5. Mentor of Change Program
This program connects industry experts with students and start-ups, providing mentorship to drive innovation.
- Impact: Over 6,200 mentors registered under this initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
- For Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): Schools across India, including government and private institutions.
- For Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): Academic institutions, start-up incubators, and private entities with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
- For Atal New India Challenge: Innovators, start-ups, and enterprises working on solutions to national challenges.
Benefits of Atal Innovation Mission
- Atal Tinkering Labs: Financial aid up to Rs. 20 lakh for each school, fostering creativity and innovation in students.
- Atal Incubation Centres: Up to Rs. 10 crore in financial aid over five years to support the establishment of world-class incubation facilities.
- Atal New India Challenge: Grants up to Rs. 1 crore for selected applicants, promoting innovation in critical areas like energy, water, and smart mobility.
- Mentor of Change Programme: Guidance and mentorship from industry experts for students and start-ups.
- Atal Community Innovation Centre: Special focus on underserved regions, promoting entrepreneurship in rural and tribal areas.
Required Documents
- Application form specific to the program (ATL, AIC, etc.)
- Institutional details for schools or academic applicants.
- Proof of registration and legal status for start-ups and incubation centers.
- Detailed project proposal outlining the innovation or start-up idea.
- Financial statements and funding requirements for AICs and start-ups.
Guidelines & Regulations
| Title | Download/Link |
|---|---|
| Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Guidelines | Download |
| Scientific Research Infrastructure Sharing maintenance & Networks (SRIMAN) Guidelines | Download |
| The Drone Rules, 2021 | Download |
| Biotech-PRIDE (Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Exchange) Guidelines | Read |
| Guidelines for acquiring and producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps, 2021 | Read |
| Scientific Values: Ethical Guidelines and Procedures (IASc) | Read |
| Guidelines for transfer of technology-Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) | Download |
| Probiotics Guidelines: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Download |
| Regulations and Guidelines for Recombinant DNA Research and Biocontainment – 2017: By Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India | Read |
| Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) – By World Health Organization (WHO) | Read |
| Medical Laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence (ISO 15189): By National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Govt. of India | Read |
| General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025): By National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Govt. of India | Read |
| Medical Laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence (ISO 15189): By National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Govt. of India | Read |
| Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers (Exports): Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India | Read |
| Guidelines on Code of Conduct for Research Scientists engaged in field of Life Sciences – By ICMR, Govt. of India | Read |
| Hospital Infection Control Guidelines – By ICMR, Govt. of India | Read |
| National Guidelines for Accreditation, Supervision & Regulation of ART Clinics in India – By ICMR, Govt. of India | Read |
| Good Food Laboratory Practices – By FSSAI, Govt. of India | Download |
| National Ethical Guidelines for Bio-Medical Research Involving Children: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Download |
| ICMR Ethical Guidelines 2017: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Download |
| Guidelines satellite communications: Department of Space and Department of Telecommunications | Download |
| Guidelines on Similar Biologics: Department of Biotechnology | Download |
| Guidelines for stem cell research 2017: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Download |
| Good Clinical Laboratory Practices: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) | Download |
How to Apply
- Visit the Official AIM Portal: Start by visiting the official Atal Innovation Mission website for detailed guidelines and application forms.
- Choose the Program: Select the appropriate AIM program, such as Atal Tinkering Labs or Atal Incubation Centres, based on your eligibility.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the online application form with accurate details and attach the required documents.
- Submit the Application: After filling out the form, review the details and submit the application online.
- Follow Up: Keep track of your application status through the AIM portal and be prepared for any further communication.
The Atal Innovation Mission is a transformative initiative that seeks to drive India’s innovation landscape forward. By promoting programs like Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres, AIM is ensuring that the next generation of innovators is well-equipped to lead the country into a future of technological advancements.
AIM भारत को एक इनोवेशन पावरहाउस बनाने के लिए हर स्तर पर काम कर रहा है।
By participating in AIM’s programs, individuals and organizations can contribute to building a self-reliant and innovative India.