Schemes

Atal Innovation Mission NITI Aayog: Transforming Innovation & Entrepreneurship

February 10, 2025February 12, 2025startupstoryhubComment(0)

AIM or Atal Innovation Mission NITI Aayog is a useful initiative launched by the Niti Ayog to boost innovation and entrepreneurship across key sectors, educational, business, research, etc. Atal Innovation Mission objective is to encourage innovative activities among young individuals to bring out creative solutions that will lead the nation towards growth and advancement. Various empowering programs including Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers, Atal New India Challenges, and Atal Grand Challenges have been started to support the initiative.

Table of Contents

If you are interested in knowing more about Atal Innovation Mission and its benefits, delve into this blog to get comprehensive information about the scheme, including features, application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, and much more.

Particulars	Details
Government initiative	Atal Innovation Mission
Set up by	NITI Aayog
Atal Innovation Mission launch date	2016
Atal Innovation Mission objective	To foster innovation and entrepreneurship

Atal Innovation Mission Niti Aayog: Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Introduced in 2016, the Atal Innovation Mission is designed to promote an innovative and entrepreneurial environment through monetary support, guidance, and mentorship. It serves as a platform, offering self-employment opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs to build up their businesses. Additionally, through necessary guidance and mentorship, it helps startups to expand their business. As part of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, it equips individuals with the all essential tools, and technology to develop a successful business.

Key Programs Under Atal Innovation Mission1.0

There are four key initiatives, launched under the Atal Innovation Mission that formed significant parts to fulfill the different objectives set for achieving the desired goals.

1. Atal Tinkering Labs

Under this program, young individuals are provided opportunities to try their hands with tools and types of equipment to gain a better understanding of concepts in technical subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Additionally, it includes building Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) to impart practical education and conducting regional/ national level competitions, exhibitions, and workshops to foster curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young individuals.

2. Atal Incubation Centres

In this segment, new incubation centers known as Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) were planned to build to help start-ups to sustain and gain huge benefits. These incubation centers are integrated with modern infrastructure to offer advanced learning. Besides, these centers house industry experts, providing guidance and training to startups to nurture and flourish in the market. Various areas such as manufacturing, transport, energy, health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, etc. are covered under this initiative.

3. Atal Community Innovation Centers (ACICs)

These innovation centers are designed for disadvantaged regions, serving to foster innovation in Tier 2/3 cities, tribal areas, etc. The objective of these innovation centers is to uncover the leadership potential in youth through various action steps, including creating fellowship opportunities, awareness platforms, conferences and workshops, dialogues, etc. Thus, offering young individuals with required resources to create systems that could bring a meaningful change. To implement this initiative, Rs. 2.5 crores was planned to be granted to ACIC, depending upon the partner offering equal or more funding.

4. Atal New India Challenges and Atal Grand Challenges

It has started to foster technology-led innovations in areas that are nationally important like Renewable Energies, Energy Storage, Climate-smart precision agriculture, Transportation, Education, Healthcare using Robotic, Universal drinking water, Swachh Bharat, IOT technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Augmented and Virtual reality, Battery Technologies, etc. Under this, qualified applicants can get up to Rs. 1 crore for Atal New India Challenges and an extended sum of up to Rs 30 crore for Atal Grand Challenges. In addition, collaborations are made with corporations and other institutions to bring new challenges to start new products and services in the areas mentioned above.

5. Mentor India

It facilitates joining hands with academia, industries, NGOs, and other people to enlarge the scope of innovation. Following this, the largest Mentoring network, known as Mentor India is started, comprising approx. 6200+ Industry professionals guiding emerging entrepreneurs at Atal Tinkering Labs and AIC Incubators/startups.

How to Register for Atal Incubation Centers?

To register for Atal Incubation Centers online, follow the step-by-step process that is mentioned below:

First, click on this link https://aimapp2.aim.gov.in/ to open the official website, and before making an application, go through the Guidelines related to establishing Atal Incubation Centres under the Atal Innovation Mission. A few sections of the Guidelines might be changed according to the AIM’s discretion.
After reading the guidelines thoroughly, complete the signup process by entering your email address and Institution’s name.
As you conclude the signup process, you will get a password on your email address. It is recommended to go through your spam folders too. In case, you want to change your password, you can send a request on the portal.
Now, you can log in through the email and the received password and open the homepage.
On the homepage, choose the tab Atal Incubation Centre available at the top to start the application.
Now, enter the required details which also include your requirement for AIC or EIC.
After filling in all required details, submit your application. No changes are allowed to be made after submission.

How to Download Your Application for Atal Incubation Centers?

To download your application submitted for Atal Incubation Centers, check out the steps given below:

In the first step, visit the official website by tapping on the link https://aim.gov.in/aic.php.
Now, log in through your registered email address and password.
Choose the tab of Atal Incubation Centre located at the top to check your application or to print the submitted application.
On the same page, you will get a unique ID code that can be used for future reference.

Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 was started in 2024, enlarging the scope of Atal Innovation Mission 1.0. For this mission, Rs.2,750 crore is allocated under the budget for the period till March 31, 2028. In AIM 1.0, steps were taken to set up an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, while AIM 2.0 is a broader initiative with expanded programs to fill the gap and maximize its benefits for the greater population. Scaling the efforts taken under AIM 1.0, it intends to sustain and strengthen efforts related to India’s innovation and entrepreneurship.

Note: India has the 39th rank on the Global Innovation Index and it is listed as the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally.

Major Action Steps to Execute AIM 2.0

To achieve the desired outcomes, AIM 2.0 will be executed in three different ways.

Expanding output (i.e. Assimilating more innovators and entrepreneurs)
Enhancing the success rate or ‘throughput’ (i.e., empowering startups to flourish)
Augmenting the quality of ‘output’ (Creating better jobs, products, and services)

Programs for Increasing Input

1. The Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI)

This program was created to cultivate the entrepreneurship environment inclusive of India’s 22 scheduled languages by creating 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers. It is a useful program for eliminating the hurdles faced by innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who are not proficient in the English Language.

2. The Frontier Program

The Frontier program is designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Ladakh, the North Eastern states (NE), Aspirational Districts, and regions that house 15% of Indian citizens. Under this program, 2500 new ATLs are planned to be established for template development.

Four Programs Under AIM 2.0 to Enhance the Throughput

There are four programs set up under AIM 2.0 to increase the rate of project success.

1. The Human Capital Development Program:

This program is curated for assimilating around 5500 professionals (managers, teachers, trainers) to build and accelerate efforts of Innovation and entrepreneurship.

2. The Deeptech Reactor:

Through this program, Minimum 1 Deeptech Reactor will be build, enabling to find ways for commercializing research-based deep technology startups, requiring a significantly greater amount of time and investment.

3. The State Innovation Mission (SIM)

As a notable part of the NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission, it is initiated to support states/UTs to build innovation and entrepreneurship in their state, focusing on their core fields of strength.

4. The International Innovation Collaborations program

This program is aimed at scaling the goal of boosting innovation and entrepreneurship to the international level. It involves four notable aspects:

An Annual Global Tinkering Olympiad.
Setting up 10 Bilateral, multilateral engagements with progressive nations.
Being the knowledge partner, providing all required assistance to the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to widen the horizon of AIM and its programs (ATL, AIC) to the countries belonging to the global south.
Hosting G20 Startup20 Engagement Group for India.

Two Programs To Increase The Output:

The Industrial Accelerator program: This program intends to increase the association of successful startups. A minimum of 10 Industry Accelerators in critical sectors will be set up in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
The Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL) program: This initiative is planned to build iDEX-like platforms in central ministries and further integrate and procure them from businesses dealing in key sectors. A minimum of 10 launchpads are decided to create in the core ministries.

Key Achievements of Atal Innovation Mission

Since the launch of the Atal Innovation mission, it garnered significant results that are mentioned below:

Established 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).
1.1 Crore + Students’ Active Engagement in Atal Tinkering Labs.
72 Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) are created.
32000+ Job opportunities.
3500+Startups.
Helped 1000+ Women Lead Startups.
6200+Mentors of Change.
15 Applied Research and Innovation related to Small Business Challenges.
14 Atal Community Innovation Centres.
24 Atal New India Challenges.
40+Domestic & International Partnerships.

Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana | Income tax exemption for startups | DPIIT Recognition for Startups

FAQs:

1. What is the Atal Innovation Mission?

Atal Innovation Mission was started by Niti Ayog in 2016 to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in the country through various programs such as Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal incubation centers, Atal community innovation centers, etc.

2. Which ministry set up the Atal Innovation Mission?

Atal Innovation Mission was set up by NITI Aayog in 2016 to nurture a sense of innovation and entrepreneurship in young individuals to help them sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and build up successful businesses.

3. What are the benefits of Atal innovation mission?

Atal Innovation Mission is highly beneficial for self-employment and talent utilization, allowing individuals to take innovative actions in their areas to disrupt the market. This mission supports people with innovative mindsets to build successful businesses through guidance and mentorship by conducting workshops, discussions, etc.

4. What is an ATL marathon?

ATL Marathon is the innovation challenge, launched under Atal Innovation Mission. In this marathon, participating schools are required to look for community problems concerning their interested area and create innovative solutions as a working prototype to address those problems.

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Startup India

The entrepreneurial scenario in India has changed over the last decade. The Indian government is supporting innovation through its Startup India initiative, creating employment opportunities and accelerating economic growth. In this blog, let's discuss Startup India, including its objectives, benefits, and eligibility criteria; also, know how to get a startup registered under this initiative.

What is Startups ?

A startup is the early stage of a company that is formed to develop a unique product or service, introduce it into the market, and scale it to make substantial revenues. Startups are an important part of innovation, job creation, and diversification in the economy. In India, startups play a critical role in driving technology adoption and solving complex challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

Characteristics of a Startup

Innovation: Key concentration in developing new products, services, or processes.
Scalability: Ability to grow rapidly with low incremental costs.
Disruption: Challenge traditional business models or industries.

Importance of Startups in India

Job Creation: Startups are significant employment generators.
Economic Growth: Contribute to GDP by introducing new industries.
Technological Advancement: Drive innovation and technology adoption.

What is the Startup India Initiative?

Startup India is one of the flagship initiatives of the Government of India, launched on January 16, 2016. It aims to build a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and startups across the country. The idea is to give an impetus to economic growth and employment generation in a substantial way. Startup India seeks to encourage entrepreneurship by giving a boost to innovation and design, thus leading to the growth and success of the startup ecosystem.

Standup India Scheme Standup India scheme was announced on April 5, 2016, to finance new enterprises, to boost the entrepreneurship culture in India. The program ensures the availability of loans through the Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one member of the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST), and at least one woman, per bank branch. The support in this new scheme is granted to businesses in the trading, services, or manufacturing sectors. This will supposedly help about 250,000 borrowers.

Key Objectives of Startup India

Making Business Easier: Simple rules, compliance, and legal steps.

Financial Help: Provide access to government funds and venture capital.

Building Skills: Offer training and mentorship programs.

Encouraging Innovation: Support research and development with grants.

Features of Startup India

Startup India Hub: This is a place where startups can connect with investors and mentors.

Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): This is a ₹10,000 crore fund managed by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

Tax Benefits: Eligible startups can get exemptions from income tax and capital gains tax.

Startup Recognition: Startups can receive official recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

The Startup India scheme eligibility criteria

If you want to get funding through the Start-up India scheme, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Knowing these requirements well will help you successfully go through the application process.

Business Experience: Start-ups applying for this scheme must have been operating for more than five years.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Company Structure: To get funds under this scheme, the company must be either a partnership or a private limited company.
Turnover Limit: The company should have an annual turnover of no more than Rs. 25 crore.
No Reconstruction: Start-ups that have emerged from the splitting or restructuring of an existing business are not eligible for this scheme. Companies that have divided an organization into two or more parts will be disqualified.

If a company is developing a new product or service, it can benefit from the Start-up India policy.

Here are the requirements:

The start-up must create, utilize, or sell a product or service that is based on new technology or intellectual property.
The focus should be on enhancing an existing product or developing a new one that adds value for customers or improves workflow.
The start-up must not engage in projects that are not unique or do not provide value to customers or enhance workflow.

To get a Startup India loan, start-ups must secure various approvals and submit specific documents:

Obtain approval from the Inter-Ministerial Board under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Acquire a recommendation from an incubator affiliated with a recognized post-graduate college.
Secure a recommendation from a government-recognized incubator.
File a patent for your product or service and have it published in the Indian Patent Office Journals.
If your services involve funding and equity, register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
Provide a funding letter from any state or central government scheme that supports innovation.

How to Register Under Startup Under Startup India Scheme?

Step 1: Start Your Business

The first step in starting your business is to choose a legal structure, such as a Private Limited Company, Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). You will need to complete the standard registration process, which involves submitting an application and obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership registration.

Step 2: Register with Startup India

Once you have created your business, the next step is to register it as a startup. This process is straightforward and can be completed online. First, visit the Startup India website and click the 'Register' button. Enter your name, email address, and mobile number, then create a password and click 'Register.' You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) in your email. Enter this OTP and provide additional information, such as your user type, business name, and the stage of your startup. Finally, click 'Submit' to create your Startup India profile. Completing this registration will help your business be recognized as a startup under the Startup India scheme, granting you access to various benefits and support.

Step 3: Obtain DPIIT Recognition

After creating your profile on the Startup India website, the next step is obtaining recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This recognition provides benefits such as quality intellectual property services, relaxed public procurement rules, self-certification for labour and environmental laws, simplified winding-up procedures, access to the Fund of Funds, and tax exemptions for three years.

Step 4: Submit the Documents for Registration

To complete the registration process and obtain DPIIT recognition for your startup, please submit the following documents:
1. The incorporation or registration certificate of your startup.
2. Proof of funding, if applicable.
3. An authorization letter from the company's authorized representative
4. Evidence of your concept, such as a website link, pitch deck, or video (this applies to startups at the validation, early traction, or scaling stage).
5. Information regarding any patents and trademarks you hold.
6. A list of any awards or certificates of recognition you have received.
7. Your Permanent Account Number (PAN).

Step 5: Self-Certification of Eligibility Conditions

You need to confirm that your business meets the following conditions:
1. Your business must be a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or partnership firm.
2. Your business has been registered in India for no more than five years.
3. Your company's turnover does not exceed ₹100 crore.
4. Your company is consistently innovating or improving existing systems.
5. Your business is based on an original idea, rather than a split or reorganization of an existing business.

Step 6: Obtain Your Recognition Number

When applying for registration, you will receive your recognition number immediately. The authority will send you the certificate of registration or incorporation after reviewing your uploaded documents. Ensure that you upload accurate information to avoid errors, as mistakes can lead to fines of up to 50% of your paid-up capital or a minimum of Rs. 25,000. By fulfilling the eligibility and registration requirements, your company can participate in the Startup India scheme and enjoy various benefits provided by the government.

Wrapping Up

The Startup India initiative has revolutionized the entrepreneurial landscape in India by offering financial, regulatory, and infrastructural support. If you’re an entrepreneur with an innovative idea, registering under this program can unlock numerous opportunities for growth and success. Begin your startup journey today and contribute to India’s transformation into a global hub for innovation.