Atal Innovation Mission

Why in news?

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) successfully launched the ATL Space Challenge 2021 for all school students across the country.

About Atal Innovation Mission:

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country
• It was setup in 2016.
• AIM has taken a holistic approach to ensure creation of a problem-solving innovative mindset in schools and creating an ecosystem of entrepreneurship in universities, research institutions, private and MSME sector.
• All the initiatives of AIM are currently monitored and managed systematically using real-time MIS systems and dynamic dashboards.
• AIM is also currently having its programs reviewed by third party agencies for ensuring continuous improvements.

Programmes under the mission:

• Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program
  • ATL is a state-of-the-art space established in a school with a goal to foster curiosity and innovation in young minds, between grade 6th to 12th across the country through 21st century tools and technologies such as Internet of Things, 3D printing, rapid prototyping tools, robotics
• Atal Incubation Centres
  • To create an ever-evolving ecosystem of start-ups and entrepreneurs, AIM has been establishing world class incubators called Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) at universities
• Atal Community Innovation Centres
  • To promote the benefits of technology led innovation to the unserved/underserved regions of India including Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, aspirational districts, tribal, hilly and coastal areas, AIM is setting up Atal Community Innovation Centres with a unique partnership driven model wherein AIM would grant upto Rs 2.5 crores to an ACIC subject to a partner proving equal or greater matching funding.
• Atal New India Challenges:
  • To create product and service innovations having national socio-economic impact, AIM has launched over 24 Atal New India Challenges in partnership with five different ministries and departments of central government.
• ARISE-ANIC challenges
  • To promote innovation in a phased manner in the MSME/Startup sector AIM has launched 15 ARISE-ANIC challenges along with partner Ministries to improve research capabilities in the startup and MSME eco-system
• Mentor India – The Mentors of Change
  • To enable all the initiatives to succeed AIM has launched one of the largest mentor engagement and management program "Mentor India – The Mentors of Change".

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the:

(a) Department of Science and Technology

(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

(c) NITI Aayog

(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Answer