Atal Innovation Mission

They are designed to promote advanced cognitive skills, including critical thinking, competitive analysis, and adaptive learning, in students. As a part of the mission, children are encouraged to use tools to be equipped with the concepts based on science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

ATLs are mainly set up at government-run or local private schools and are developed for students from grades 6 to 10. For the same, an initial financial support of ₹10 Lakhs is provided. 

This is then followed by another ₹10 Lakhs of funding to cover operational costs for the first 5 years. 

• Atal Incubation Centres

Atal Incubation Centres (AIC) are set up at universities to stabilise and promote the growth of startup enterprises. It encourages entrepreneurs, especially women, from every sector. 

For the same, universities are given a grant of up to ₹10 Crores to set up Greenfield incubators. A primary requirement to develop an AIC is a ready-to-use, built-up space of a minimum of 10,000 square feet. Currently, such incubators have been set up in over 72 universities around the country.

• Atal New India Challenge (ANIC)

AIM supports technology-based innovations that aim to solve challenges of national relevance. The main aim is to develop products that strive to address social causes and fix some of the pertinent issues existing in our country.

ANIC focuses on providing the necessary aid to innovators in sectors like education, railways, sanitation, healthcare, and electric mobility. The ANIC comprises a total of 24 challenges that NITI Aayog has created in partnership with 5 ministries.

• Mentor of Change Program

A strong network of a total of 6,200+ mentors has been set up to ensure the mentoring of ATL and AIC students all over the country. The mentors are expected to dedicate 1-2 hours a week through online or in-person training and enable students to work on innovative projects. 

• Atal Community Innovation Centre

The Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) focuses on promoting innovation in Tier 2 and 3 cities in areas related to technology. 

ACICs are set up by the officials at the helm of the initiative to leave no stone unturned in terms of economic development all over the country. The relevant authorities intend to set up at least 50 ACICs throughout India.