Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

• 26 Nov 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) with an enhanced budget of Rs. 2,750 crore, marking the launch of AIM 2.0 to strengthen India's innovation ecosystem until 2028. 

What is the AIM 2.0? 

• AIM 2.0:  Building on AIM success, such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), AIM 2.0 seeks to scale and pilot new initiatives. 
  • It aims to expand and deepen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. 
  • India ranks 39th on the Global Innovation Index and is home to the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. 
• Key Programs Under AIM 2.0: 
  • Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): Establish vernacular innovation centers in 22 scheduled languages to support non-English-speaking innovators. 
  • Frontier Program: Create 2500 new ATLs in underserved regions like Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, and Aspirational Districts. 
  • Programs Targeting Improving Ecosystem: Trains professionals (managers, teachers, trainers) for the innovation ecosystem. 
    • Create a research sandbox for commercialising deep tech startups requiring longer investment. 
    • Strengthen state-level innovation ecosystems through NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission. 
    • Expands India’s innovation ecosystem globally through engagements with advanced nations, Global Tinkering Olympiad, and partnerships with  United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and G20. 
  • Programs Targeting Improved Output Quality: The Industrial Accelerator Program aims to scale up advanced startups by creating 10 accelerators in critical sectors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).  
    • The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) program will establish 10 iDEX-like platforms across central ministries to integrate and procure from startups in key industry sectors. 

Atal Innovation Mission 

• About: Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, AIM promotes innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering a problem-solving mindset in students and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in universities and research institutions. 
• Key Programs under AIM: 
  • Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs): Set up in schools to foster innovation in students (grades 6-12) using tools like 3D printing. 
  • Atal Incubation Centres (AICs): Business incubators promoting startups with mentorship, funding, and technical support. 
  • Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs): Focused on underserved regions, promoting innovation in Tier 2/3 cities, tribal areas, etc. 
  • Atal New India Challenges (ANIC): Supports technology-based innovations addressing national challenges, providing funding and mentorship. 
  • Mentor India: Engages 6,200+ mentors across sectors to guide entrepreneurs and innovators under AIM’s programs. 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

(a) Department of Science and Technology 

(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment 

(c) NITI Aayog 

(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 

Ans: (c)