Launched by the Government of India in 2016, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) seeks to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. Through programs such as Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres, AIM provides support to students, startups, and institutions. Its initiatives have notably enhanced India’s standing in global innovation rankings. AIM 2.0 aims to scale these successful programs further and extend targeted support to underserved communities, reinforcing India’s leadership in the global innovation landscape. You can also check your business loan eligibility to explore ways to fund innovative ideas or entrepreneurial ventures.
What is Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)?
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), launched in 2016 under NITI Aayog, is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to cultivate and promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide. Serving as an overarching body, it develops programs and policies aimed at encouraging innovation across diverse sectors of the economy.
Key objectives of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
AIM’s primary role is to drive innovation and nurture entrepreneurship by providing mentorship and resources to individuals and startups. Its key objectives include:
Fostering creativity: Cultivating a problem-solving and inventive mindset in schools, universities, research institutions, as well as in the MSME and private sectors.
Shaping new policies: Designing programs and frameworks that promote technological progress and strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Creating collaborative platforms: Building opportunities for partnerships among government, academia, industry, and NGOs to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key initiatives of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched key initiatives targeting students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions to build a strong and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
For schools and students
Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs): Dedicated workspaces in schools (grades 6–12) equipped with modern tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, and sensors. These labs encourage creativity and hands-on, do-it-yourself learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: A nationwide innovation movement in partnership with the Ministry of Education, engaging students from classes 6 to 12 to solve national challenges by developing innovative ideas and prototypes.
ATL AI Modules: A program designed to build a skilled workforce in artificial intelligence, covering AI fundamentals, data science, and data visualization.
Mentor India Campaign: Industry experts and leaders volunteer to mentor students and innovators in ATLs and Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), guiding them in their projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
For startups and entrepreneurs
Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): Located in universities, institutions, and corporations, AICs serve as business incubators supporting startups with mentorship, infrastructure, funding access, and networking opportunities to help them scale sustainably.
Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs): These centres foster technology-driven innovation in underserved areas such as tier 2 and tier 3 cities, aspirational districts, and tribal regions. AIM provides financial grants for their setup and operation through a partnership-driven model.
Atal New India Challenges (ANIC): This program identifies and nurtures technology-based innovations addressing national sectoral challenges. Startups can receive grants of up to Rs. 1 crore to commercialize their solutions, with central government ministries potentially acting as “first buyers.”
Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC: Promotes research and innovation among startups and MSMEs to solve sectoral problems, supporting initiatives for import substitution and export promotion in collaboration with ministries.
AIM-iCREST: A capacity-building program that strengthens incubators nationwide, working with partners to foster a robust ecosystem for high-performing startups.
You can also check your pre-approved business loan offer to see if your startup qualifies for funding support.
For the broader innovation ecosystem
AIM-PRIME Program: A nationwide initiative to bring science-based and deep technology ideas to market, offering training and guidance to technology developers and incubation managers.
Vernacular Innovation Program (VIP): Designed to make the innovation ecosystem more inclusive by overcoming language barriers, this program forms vernacular task forces for India’s 22 scheduled languages to adapt and translate concepts on design thinking and entrepreneurship.
International Innovation Collaborations: AIM partners with global organizations, including the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to exchange best practices and help India’s innovation ecosystem gain global visibility.
AIM’s impact on Global Innovation Index
Since the launch of AIM in 2016, India has steadily improved its position in the Global Innovation Index (GII).
Rapid ascent: India rose from 48th place in the 2020 GII to 38th in the 2025 rankings.
Leading regional performer: The country ranks first among lower-middle-income economies and leads in the Central and Southern Asia region.
Strength areas: The 2025 GII report highlights India’s strong performance in knowledge and technology outputs, including a vibrant startup ecosystem and robust IT service exports—sectors that have been significantly supported by AIM initiatives.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0 marks the second phase of the Indian government’s flagship initiative aimed at enhancing and broadening the nation’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Approved in November 2024, the program is set to continue until March 31, 2028, with an allocated budget of Rs. 2,750 crore.
Differences between AIM 1.0 and AIM 2.0
| Feature | AIM 1.0 | AIM 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Establishing foundational innovation infrastructure such as labs and incubators. | Launching new initiatives to address ecosystem gaps and scaling proven programs through collaborative efforts. |
| Approach | Developing the physical and organisational framework of the innovation ecosystem. | Emphasising quality and growth by partnering with government, industry, and academia. |
| Expansion goal | Setting up a large number of ATLs and AICs nationwide. | Achieving deeper reach with a focus on underserved communities and priority sectors. |
Conclusion
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has played a pivotal role in shaping India's innovation landscape. With initiatives targeting students, entrepreneurs, and institutions, AIM has fostered creativity and entrepreneurship. As AIM 2.0 takes shape, it promises even greater support for underserved sectors, offering opportunities such as business loans to boost growth.
