The Cabinet’s approval to extend the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog until March 31, 2028, is a significant step in India’s journey towards becoming a global innovation hub. With an enhanced scope of work and an allocated budget of Rs 2,750 crore, AIM 2.0 promises further to deepen India’s already vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Launched as a flagship initiative in 2016, AIM has been instrumental in fostering innovation at the grassroots level. Through its pioneering programs like Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and Atal Incubation Centres for startups, AIM 1.0 laid the foundation for a robust innovation ecosystem in a country that, until a decade ago, had a relatively nascent entrepreneurial culture. AIM 2.0 represents an evolutionary leap, focusing not just on creating new infrastructure but also on addressing gaps in the ecosystem and scaling proven successes across the nation.
The three-pronged approach of AIM 2.0-enhancing input, throughput, and output-indicates a matured vision. This phase emphasises collaboration across Central and State Governments, industries, academia, and communities to create a seamless and integrated ecosystem. Such a strategy aligns with India’s aspirations to climb higher on the Global Innovation Index, where it currently ranks 39th, and further strengthen its position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Innovation is the bedrock of sustainable economic growth. By fostering creative problem-solving, AIM 2.0 is poised to produce innovative products, high-impact services, and jobs in diverse sectors, from healthcare and education to agriculture and technology.
However, the success of AIM 2.0 will depend on effective implementation and continuous evaluation. The program must ensure equitable access to resources, especially in rural and underprivileged regions, to bridge the urban-rural innovation divide. Additionally, fostering public-private partnerships and incentivising R&D will be crucial for sustaining momentum. As AIM 2.0 embarks on this ambitious journey, it embodies the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”-a developed India driven by innovation and inclusivity. The path to this future is clear: nurture innovation, invest in potential, and empower generations to dream and deliver.
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