Atal Innovation Mission
Also called: AIM, AIM 2.0 · Topic: Factors of Production, Entrepreneurship and Startups · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is NITI Aayog's main programme for building a habit of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It was set up in 2016. AIM starts with school students and carries on until people are running startups. Its two best-known parts are Atal Tinkering Labs, which are workshops in schools where students build and test ideas, and Atal Incubation Centres. An incubator is a centre that gives a new business space, guidance and support in its early days. In November 2024, the Cabinet approved AIM 2.0 with ₹2,750 crore up to 31 March 2028. AIM 2.0 moves from building infrastructure to helping new ideas get tested (piloting) and grow to a large size (scaling).
Example
AIM 2.0 includes the Deeptech Reactor, the Frontier Program and the Language Inclusive Program of Innovation. Deep-tech means businesses built on new science, which take many years to earn money. In February 2026, AIM launched the first State Innovation Mission in Tripura. This brought a state government directly into building innovation.
Don't confuse with
- Startup India: This was launched in 2016 under DPIIT, not NITI Aayog. It handles startup recognition and finance schemes such as the Fund of Funds. AIM builds the innovation culture that comes before a startup exists.
- GENESIS: This is a MeitY programme from 2022. It supports deep-tech startups in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. It is not part of AIM.