Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) — ATL, AIC, ANIC & More

AIM is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. Launched in 2016, AIM operates through multiple programmes targeting different stages of the innovation lifecycle — from school students (ATL) to established incubators (AIC) to product innovators (ANIC) to underserved communities (ACIC). AIM has established 10,000+ Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, supported 68+ Atal Incubation Centres, and mentored thousands of startups and innovators across the country.

ATLs are innovation workspaces in schools where students (Class 6–12) learn to work with tools like 3D printers, robotics kits, IoT sensors, and coding platforms. Each selected school receives a grant of ₹20 lakh over 5 years (₹12 lakh for equipment + ₹8 lakh for operations). Eligible: any school managed by government, local body, or private trust with Classes 6–10. Apply through the AIM portal (aim.gov.in) when applications open. Schools must designate an ATL in-charge teacher and commit 200+ sq ft space.

AICs are world-class incubation facilities set up at universities, R&D institutions, corporate houses, and existing incubators. Each selected AIC receives up to ₹10 crore in grant funding over 5 years to build infrastructure, hire mentors, and support startups. AIC applicants must demonstrate: dedicated space (10,000+ sq ft), qualified management team, sector expertise, industry partnerships, and a plan to incubate 20–30 startups over 5 years. Apply through the AIM portal during open calls for proposals.

ANIC is a challenge-based innovation programme that provides grants of up to ₹1 crore to innovators and startups developing product-based solutions for India’s pressing challenges. Challenges are defined across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, mobility, sanitation, and energy. Innovators submit proposals addressing specific challenge statements, go through a multi-stage selection process, and receive milestone-linked funding for prototype development, testing, and market launch. Both individuals and registered companies/startups can apply.

ACICs bring innovation to underserved and unserved areas of India — tier 2/3 cities, tribal areas, and aspirational districts. They are established in partnership with local organisations (NGOs, trusts, colleges) with NITI Aayog providing grant support. ACICs focus on community-relevant innovations in areas like agriculture, handloom, handicrafts, and local enterprise development. The goal is to democratise innovation beyond metros and tier-1 cities. Apply through the AIM portal when calls for ACIC proposals are announced.

AIM’s Mentor India programme connects industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and domain experts with ATL schools and AIC-supported startups as volunteer mentors. The Mentor of Change (MoC) programme specifically pairs experienced mentors with ATL schools to guide students in innovation projects. To become a mentor: register on the Mentor India portal, select your areas of expertise, and get matched with schools/startups in your area. Corporate employees can participate as part of their CSR activities.

AIM actively partners with corporates for ATL sponsorship, AIC co-funding, and innovation challenges. Companies can adopt ATL schools under their CSR budget, co-establish AICs with matching grants, sponsor ANIC challenges in their industry verticals, or support ACICs in their operational geographies. Notable corporate partners include Intel, IBM, Google, Dell, and several Indian conglomerates. Corporates also provide mentors, technology resources, and market access to AIM-supported innovators and startups.

All applications are submitted through the AIM portal (aim.gov.in). ATL: Schools apply during annual open calls → fill the online application form → submit school details, infrastructure plan, and teacher in-charge nomination → selection by AIM committee. AIC: Institutions apply during call for proposals → submit detailed business plan, infrastructure details, team credentials → presentation to expert panel → due diligence and selection. ANIC: Monitor aim.gov.in for challenge announcements → submit innovation proposal addressing the challenge statement → multi-stage evaluation → milestone-based funding.

AIM has achieved remarkable impact since launch: 10,000+ ATLs established across all 36 states/UTs reaching 75 lakh+ students, 68+ AICs operational supporting 3,600+ startups, 5,000+ mentors actively engaged through Mentor India, and hundreds of innovators funded through ANIC. ATL students have filed patents, won international innovation competitions, and even launched startups. AIC-supported startups have collectively raised crores in follow-on funding and created thousands of jobs across India.

AIM programmes can be combined with: Startup India (DPIIT recognition, tax benefits), SAMRIDH and TIDE 2.0 (additional MeitY funding), PMEGP (manufacturing enterprise support), Stand Up India (SC/ST and women entrepreneur loans), and SIDBI Fund of Funds (VC investment through AIF). AIC-incubated startups are eligible for all Startup India benefits. Schools with ATLs can also apply for Smart India Hackathon participation and other innovation competitions organised by government ministries.