The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 (AIM 2.0), extending the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s flagship program until 31 March 2028. This expansion focuses on plugging gaps in India’s innovation ecosystem, creating more jobs, improving product quality, and enhancing global competitiveness.
What is Atal Innovation Mission 2.0?
Launched in 2016, the original Atal Innovation Mission (AIM 1.0) aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AIC). Now, AIM 2.0 builds on its predecessor’s success, expanding its scope with new programs to address existing challenges in the startup ecosystem.
Budget Allocation for AIM 2.0
The budget for AIM 2.0 has been set at ₹2,750 crore for its implementation from 2024 to 2028.
Key Features and Objectives of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0
1. Increasing the Number of Innovators and Entrepreneurs
To broaden the participation of innovators, AIM 2.0 will:
- Launch the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI) to establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers, promoting innovation in 22 Indian languages.
- Set up 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, North-East states, and Aspirational Districts to nurture creativity among school students.
2. Enhancing Startup Success Rates
AIM 2.0 introduces initiatives to ensure higher success rates for startups:
- Human Capital Development Program: Train 5,500 professionals to manage and strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
- Deeptech Reactor: Create research sandboxes to help deep-tech startups commercialize their ideas.
- State Innovation Mission (SIM): Collaborate with states and Union Territories to build localized innovation frameworks.
- International Innovation Collaborations: Foster global partnerships to align India’s ecosystem with international standards.
3. Improving Output Quality
AIM 2.0 will focus on developing better jobs, products, and services by:
- Launching the Industrial Accelerator Program to increase industry involvement in scaling advanced startups. At least 10 accelerators will be set up.
- Establishing Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) in central ministries to help startups collaborate with the government in key sectors.
Major Differences Between AIM 1.0 and AIM 2.0
| Feature | Atal Innovation Mission 1.0 | Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 |
| Focus | Promoting innovation through schools and incubators | Expanding innovation ecosystem by filling systemic gaps |
| Key Programs | Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers | LIPI, Deeptech Reactor, Human Capital Development Program |
| Targeted Areas | General outreach | Vernacular innovations, NE states, and Aspirational Blocks |
| Global Collaboration | Limited | Extensive focus on international partnerships |
| Industry Involvement | Minimal | Dedicated Industrial Accelerator Program |
AIM 2.0’s Contribution to India’s Growth
- Fostering Innovation: Programs like LIPI and the Deeptech Reactor will create a more inclusive and cutting-edge innovation ecosystem.
- Creating Jobs: New initiatives aim to produce better employment opportunities through advanced startups.
- Global Competitiveness: By promoting international collaborations, AIM 2.0 will align India with global innovation standards.
- Localized Solutions: Regional programs like the State Innovation Mission ensure that innovation reaches remote areas.
News Summary of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0
- Launch Year: Approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024.
- Budget: ₹2,750 crore for the period 2024–2028.
- Focus Areas: Vernacular innovation, deep-tech commercialization, and better industry collaboration.
- Key Initiatives: LIPI, Industrial Accelerator Program, Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads, and International Innovation Collaborations.
- Outcome Goals: Increase startup success rates, improve product quality, and enhance India’s innovation framework.
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FAQs About Atal Innovation Mission 2.0
AIM 2.0 is an expanded version of the Atal Innovation Mission that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through new initiatives like LIPI, Industrial Accelerator Programs, and Deeptech Reactors.
AIM 2.0 will run from 2024 to 2028 as approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 November 2024.
The budget for AIM 2.0 is ₹2,750 crore, allocated for the mission’s expanded scope.
While AIM 1.0 focused on Atal Tinkering Labs and Incubation Centers, AIM 2.0 expands to include vernacular innovation, deep-tech commercialization, and global collaborations.
LIPI, or the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation, supports innovation in 22 Indian languages through 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers.
The Deeptech Reactor creates research sandboxes to test ways of commercializing research-based startups in deep technology.
Through the State Innovation Mission, AIM 2.0 will help states and Union Territories build strong local innovation ecosystems.