LAGATAR24 NETWORK
New Delhi, Aug 2: NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) on Tuesday called for applications for its two programs Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) and Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) for setting up startup incubation centres in the country.
“The call for applications is a step to expand the current ecosystem of incubators and to provide them with access to global benchmarks and best practices,” the Aayog said in a note, adding that the establishment of world class institutions will encourage innovation.
Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) is an initiative of AIM to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit while creating a supportive ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs in India.
“Each AIC is supported with a grant of up to Rs 10 crores over a period of 5 years. Since 2016, AIM has established 68 Atal Incubation Centres across 18 states and 3 UTs which have supported more than 2,700 startups,” NITI Aayog said.
On the other hand, Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) aims to serve the unserved and underserved areas of the country with respect to the startup and innovation ecosystem.
“Each ACIC is supported with a grant of up to Rs 2.5 crores over a period of 5 years. AIM has established 14 Atal Community Innovation Centres across the country. These AICs and ACICs will play a pivotal role in enriching the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem of India and echo the anthem of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the statement said.
While launching the call for applications, NITI Aayog CEO Parameswaran Iyer said, “Innovation is an unparalleled driving force for development and the drive for innovation has to be coupled with social entrepreneurship.”
He also reasserted the Prime Minister’s vision of tackling the country’s challenges by innovating for India and innovating from India.
Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director AIM, NITI Aayog, said, “Becoming a 5 trillion economy as a nation will require a lot of impetus and support from the startup ecosystem and we at Atal Innovation Mission are committed to that vision. Today we see much more focused and inclusive incubation initiatives which will provide access to all sectors of the economy.”
