Atal Innovation Mission
Last Updated : Nov. 15, 2022, 1:01 p.m.
The NITI Aayog set up the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the country. It was introduced after conducting detailed discussions on the entrepreneurial needs of India in the near future.
What are the main objectives of the Atal Innovation Mission?
The following are the main objectives of the Atal Innovation Mission:
- To encourage entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.
- To create an environment where ideas can be transformed into impactful solutions at universities, schools, research institutes, and industries across the country.
What are the initiatives undertaken by the Atal Innovation Mission?
Following are the initiatives taken by the government under the Atal Innovation Mission:
- Supporting the growth, organisation, and commercialisation of technology in important sectors.
- Promoting innovation at an institutional level.
- Developing a robust ecosystem in underserved or unserved parts of the country.
- Promoting research and innovation in the ‘Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises’ sector.
Initiatives under Atal Innovation Mission
AIM has started several initiatives to achieve the objectives listed above.
Atal Tinkering Labs
Atal Tinkering Labs are committed to innovation workspaces of 1200-1500 ft² where the latest technology-based DIY kits are installed. This technology includes Robotics, 3D Printers, Miniaturised electronics, and the Internet of Things (IOT). The government offers a grant of Rs. 20 lakhs to encourage students from Class 6-12 to experiment with these technologies and create revolutionary and imaginative solutions for indigenous use.
The goal is to encourage curiosity and imagination in young minds and to teach them certain skills such as creative thinking, mindset design, physical computing, and adaptive learning. It also holds activities ranging from national and regional competitions, workshops on problem-solving, exhibitions, lecture series, and product design and manufacturing.
Financial Assistance
Atal Innovation Mission offers a grant-in-aid of Rs. 20,00,000 to each school. This includes the establishment cost of Rs. 10,00,000 and operational expenses of Rs. 10,00,000 to each ATL for a maximum period of five years.
Eligibility
Schools are run by local bodies, governments, or private trusts to set up Atal Tinkering Labs.
Atal Incubation Centre
AIM promotes the development of new incubation centres called Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) to encourage innovative startups to transform into sustainable businesses. It plans to build top-notch incubation facilities in various parts of the country with sufficient physical infrastructure in terms of capital resources and operational capacity, business planning support, industry partners, availability of experts to guide startups, and training required to encourage innovative startups.
Eligibility
Organisations such as educational institutions, the corporate sector, business accelerators, R&D institutes, and alternative investment funds registered with SEBI are eligible to apply.
Atal New India Challenge (ANIC)
The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage innovation in areas important for the development of the country. Innovation solutions in fields like housing, health, energy, hygiene, and water influence all sections of society and impact the lives of people directly. Twenty-four challenges have been launched in collaboration with five different departments and ministries of the central government.
Atal New India Challenge works with a two-fold vision:
- Help to create products relevant to national and social causes with the help of existing technologies.
- Assist the new deep-tech products in finding markets and early consumers in the country.
Mentor of Change Program
It is a strategic developmental initiative launched to engage competent leaders and mentor students through AIM programs across the country in thousands of ATLs. Leaders who can spend 1-2 hrs every week in these laboratories or with startups to help them learn, experience, and practice futuristic skills like analytical thinking and design and instill the spark of entrepreneurship and creativity.
The possible contributing areas include innovation and design, technical know-how, leadership and self-motivation, business and entrepreneurship, and the breaking of stereotypes to bring about behavioural changes.
Conclusion
Atal Innovation Mission is a great futuristic initiative from the Government of India to foster entrepreneurship and innovative technology in different sectors of the country. We hope this blog acquaints you with all the information you need on the topic.