How Atal Innovation Mission Started? First Mission Director Tells....

In an illuminating conversation on TICE TV, Mr. Ramanan Ramanathan, the first Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission, shared insights into the transformative journey of the mission and the evolution of India's burgeoning startup ecosystem.

The Atal Innovation Mission, a brainchild of the NITI Aayog under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was conceived with the vision of fostering a nation of job creators. Mr. Ramanan, who is also a former Senior Vice President at Tata Consultancy Services, embraced the challenge of bringing innovation and problem-solving to the forefront of education and entrepreneurship.

Cultivating Innovation from Classrooms to Incubators

Mr. Ramanan elucidated on the mission's core objective: instilling a culture of innovation and problem-solving across educational institutions.

"Innovation mission's purpose is to create a culture of innovation and problem-solving, starting from schools to universities and beyond," explained Mr. Ramanan.

The establishment of 10,000 tinkering labs equipped with state-of-the-art technologies stands as a testament to the mission's commitment to fostering an innovative mindset among students from an early age. 

The mission also focused on creating a robust ecosystem supporting startups. Over 100 incubators were set up, each receiving government grants to nurture 25 to 50 startups. Mr. Ramanan expressed his satisfaction at the substantial growth, with some incubators now fostering up to 100 startups.

Incubating Success: From Startup Challenges to Flourishing Ecosystems 

Delving into the challenges faced by startups in their early stages, Mr. Ramanan emphasized the critical role incubators play in bridging the gaps – from mentoring and HR support to funding and domain knowledge. Over the past five years, the mission has witnessed a substantial growth in the startup ecosystem, with over 99,000 startups and 900-plus incubators contributing to India's status as one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems globally.

From Challenges to Opportunities: A Startup Within the Government

Reflecting on the mission's inception, Mr. Ramanan likened the experience to running a startup within the government. Challenges such as scaling up across a vast educational landscape and educating incubators, universities, and venture capitalists about the innovation ecosystem were addressed. The mission's success, he noted, has mirrored the trajectory of a startup, overcoming challenges to enjoy the fruits of its labor.

Future Horizons: Opportunities and Challenges for Startups

As the interview concluded, Mr. Ramanan provided a forward-looking perspective, highlighting the myriad opportunities and challenges awaiting budding startups. Encouraging entrepreneurs to view challenges as opportunities, he emphasized the potential for innovation in transforming villages into smart communities and leveraging India's digital prowess for global solutions.

In closing, Mr. Ramanan expressed optimism about the future, stating, "India is a land of a million opportunities, and every challenge is ripe for an entrepreneurial idea to focus on." The interview not only offered a comprehensive overview of the Atal Innovation Mission's impact but also shed light on its pivotal role in shaping India's entrepreneurial landscape.