Cabinet Approves AIM 2.0: Strengthening India’s Innovation Ecosystem

In a significant push towards transforming India into a global innovation hub, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and expansion of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog. With an allocation of ₹2,750 crore, AIM 2.0 is set to run until March 31, 2028. This marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by fostering innovation, creating jobs, and nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the nation.

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A Blueprint for Innovation Excellence

Building on the foundational achievements of AIM 1.0—such as the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs)—AIM 2.0 introduces a more inclusive and targeted approach. By addressing critical gaps, enhancing support systems, and scaling successes across diverse sectors, AIM 2.0 aims to position India as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

"With AIM 2.0, India is not just building an innovation ecosystem but ensuring that this ecosystem becomes a driver of equitable and sustainable growth. This initiative represents a powerful step toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat—a future where innovation empowers every citizen, enriches industries, and elevates India’s standing on the global stage."

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Key Pillars of AIM 2.0

AIM 2.0 focuses on three core objectives: increasing inputs into the ecosystem, improving success rates (throughput), and enhancing the quality of outputs such as jobs, products, and services.

1. Increasing Inputs

• Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): This program seeks to bridge linguistic barriers by promoting innovation in India’s 22 scheduled languages. It plans to establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers within existing incubators, making innovation accessible to non-English-speaking communities.
• Frontier Program: Designed to empower underrepresented regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, North-East India, and Aspirational Districts, this initiative will establish 2,500 new ATLs tailored to regional needs, fostering grassroots innovation.

2. Improving Throughput

• Human Capital Development Program: Aiming to train 5,500 professionals capable of building, managing, and sustaining innovation ecosystems, this program will address the ecosystem’s operational and managerial needs.
• Deeptech Reactor: This initiative will create a research sandbox to support deep-tech startups, which require extended timelines and substantial investment to commercialize cutting-edge technologies.
• State Innovation Missions (SIM): Focused on assisting states and UTs in developing innovation ecosystems tailored to their unique strengths and industries.
• International Collaborations: This program includes bilateral and multilateral partnerships, initiatives like the Global Tinkering Olympiad, and support for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to extend AIM’s impact to the Global South.

3. Enhancing Quality of Outcomes

• Industrial Accelerator Program: Aiming to boost industry involvement, this program will create 10 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) accelerators in critical sectors to scale advanced startups.
• Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): Modeled after the iDEX initiative, these launchpads will integrate startups into key industry verticals by establishing platforms across 10 central ministries.

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Aiming Higher on the Global Stage

India, ranked 39th on the Global Innovation Index, is leveraging AIM 2.0 to cement its position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. With its focus on fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and supporting groundbreaking enterprises, AIM 2.0 is expected to create transformative products, high-impact services, and sustainable job opportunities across sectors.

The renewed mission underscores the government’s dedication to building a knowledge-driven economy. By integrating regional innovation with global partnerships, AIM 2.0 reflects India’s ambition for leadership in technology and entrepreneurship.