Atal Innovation Mission: Boosting India’s Innovation Ecosystem with Enhanced Scope and Budget
Introduction: A New Chapter for Atal Innovation Mission
On November 25, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) until March 31, 2028, with an enhanced scope and a budget of Rs 2,750 crore. This decision marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The Atal Innovation Mission 2.0 (AIM 2.0) aims to expand, strengthen, and deepen India’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. Building on the accomplishments of AIM 1.0, which established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and 69 Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), AIM 2.0 introduces new initiatives designed to fill gaps in the ecosystem and scale successes through central and state governments, industry, academia, and community.
AIM 2.0 focuses on three key areas: increasing input by ushering more innovators and entrepreneurs, improving the success rate or ‘throughput’ by helping more startups succeed, and enhancing the quality of ‘output’ by producing better jobs, products, and services. The mission also aims to break the language barrier through the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI) and establish 30 vernacular innovation centers.
The Frontier Program under AIM 2.0 will create customized templates for the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, the North Eastern states, aspirational districts, and blocks where 15% of India’s citizens live. Additionally, 2,500 new ATLs will be created for template development.
Conclusion: A Leap Towards Viksit Bharat
The extension of the Atal Innovation Mission till 2028 underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a robust innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in India. With India currently ranked 39th on the Global Innovation Index and home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, AIM 2.0 is expected to further enhance India’s global competitiveness and contribute to creating better jobs, innovative products, and high-impact services across sectors.
FAQs:
- When was the Atal Innovation Mission extended till?
- The Atal Innovation Mission was extended till March 31, 2028.
2. What is the budget allocated for AIM 2.0?
- The budget allocated for AIM 2.0 is Rs 2,750 crore.
3. What are the key areas of focus for AIM 2.0?
- AIM 2.0 focuses on increasing input, improving throughput, and enhancing output.
4. What is the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI)?
- LIPI aims to lower entry barriers for non-English speakers by promoting innovation in vernacular languages.
5. How many new ATLs will be created under AIM 2.0?
- 2,500 new ATLs will be created for template development.
6. What is the Frontier Program under AIM 2.0?
- The Frontier Program aims to create customized templates for the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems of specific regions.
7. What is the goal of AIM 2.0?
- The goal of AIM 2.0 is to strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
8. Who chaired the meeting where AIM 2.0 was approved?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting where AIM 2.0 was approved.
9. What is the significance of AIM 2.0 for India’s global competitiveness?
- AIM 2.0 is expected to enhance India’s global competitiveness by improving its innovation ecosystem.
10. What are the expected outcomes of AIM 2.0?
- AIM 2.0 aims to create better jobs, innovative products, and high-impact services across sectors.
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