Government Extends Atal Innovation Mission Till 2028

The Indian government has extended the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the flagship program of NITI Aayog, until 31st March 2028, with an expanded scope and renewed objectives. This new phase, known as Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, was approved by the Union Cabinet during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th November 2024.

Launched in 2016, the original Atal Innovation Mission aimed to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. The newly expanded version aims to plug gaps in the innovation ecosystem, foster inclusivity, and enhance the quality of entrepreneurial outcomes.

Budget and Scope of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

The government has allocated a budget of ₹2,750 crore for AIM 2.0. While the first phase emphasized establishing platforms like the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AIC), AIM 2.0 seeks to address systemic gaps, improve startup success rates, and increase the quality of innovations produced in India.

Differences Between Atal Innovation Mission 1.0 and 2.0

Aspect	Atal Innovation Mission 1.0	Atal Innovation Mission 2.0
Focus	Establishing basic innovation platforms (ATL, AIC).	Filling gaps and enhancing the ecosystem.
Programs	– Atal Tinkering Labs to promote school-level innovation.	– Language-inclusive programs, Deeptech Reactor, Industry Accelerators.
	– Atal Incubation Centers to support scalable entrepreneurship.	– Sectoral launchpads and international collaborations.

Three Aims of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

1. Increasing Input (More Innovators and Entrepreneurs)

AIM 2.0 focuses on broadening the base of innovation by increasing participation through inclusivity:

• Language Inclusive Program of Innovation:
  This program aims to establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers across the country to build a startup ecosystem in 22 Indian languages, promoting grassroots participation.
• Atal Tinkering Labs Expansion:
  The mission plans to set up 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, North-Eastern States, and other aspirational districts to foster innovation at the school level.

2. Improving Success Rate or Throughput

To ensure that startups have a higher probability of success, AIM 2.0 introduces several targeted programs:

• Human Capital Development Program:
  This initiative aims to train 5,500 professionals to operate and sustain the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem effectively.
• Deeptech Reactor:
  A research sandbox designed to test methods for commercializing research-based deep tech startups.
• State Innovation Mission:
  A program to assist states and Union Territories in strengthening their innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• International Innovation Collaborations Program:
  This initiative aims to take India’s innovation ecosystem to the global stage by forging international collaborations.

3. Improving the Quality of Output

The mission focuses on enhancing the quality of innovations to produce better jobs, products, and services:

• Industrial Accelerator Program:
  Aims to increase industry participation in scaling advanced startups by establishing 10 Industry Accelerators.
• Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads Program:
  Modeled after iDEX, this program plans to set up 10 sector-specific launchpads in collaboration with central ministries to integrate and procure innovations from startups in key industries.

Significance of Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

• Promotes Inclusivity: By focusing on vernacular languages, AIM 2.0 ensures the inclusion of underrepresented regions and communities.
• Enhances Ecosystem Efficiency: By addressing gaps in the innovation ecosystem, AIM 2.0 aims to create a sustainable and supportive framework for startups.
• Strengthens Industry Collaboration: The introduction of industry accelerators and sectoral launchpads brings startups closer to market demands.
• Global Aspirations: The mission’s international collaboration initiatives position India as a global innovation hub.

Summary of the News

Aspect	Details
Why in News	The Indian government has extended the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog until 31st March 2028.
New Phase	Known as Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet on 25th November 2024.
Objective	To address gaps in the innovation ecosystem, enhance inclusivity, and improve the quality of entrepreneurial outcomes.
Budget	₹2,750 crore
Key Differences
Focus	AIM 1.0: Established platforms like Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centers (AIC).
	AIM 2.0: Focuses on filling gaps and enhancing the ecosystem.
Programs	AIM 1.0: ATL for school innovation; AIC for scalable entrepreneurship.
	AIM 2.0: Introduces Language-Inclusive Programs, Deeptech Reactor, Industry Accelerators, and Launchpads.
Three Aims of AIM 2.0
1. Increasing Input	– Establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers in 22 languages.
	– Set up 2,500 new Atal Tinkering Labs in J&K, Ladakh, NE states, and aspirational districts.
2. Improving Success Rate	– Train 5,500 professionals through Human Capital Development Program.
	– Launch Deeptech Reactor, State Innovation Mission, and International Innovation Collaborations Program.
3. Enhancing Quality	– Establish 10 Industry Accelerators to scale advanced startups.
	– Develop 10 Sectoral Innovation Launchpads in collaboration with central ministries.
Significance
Promotes Inclusivity	Encourages participation from underrepresented regions through vernacular languages.
Ecosystem Efficiency	Addresses systemic gaps, creating a sustainable framework for startups.
Strengthens Collaboration	Enhances industry involvement and global collaborations.
Global Aspirations	Positions India as a global innovation hub.