Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Introduction to Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

Launched in 2016 under the aegis of NITI Aayog, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at fostering a nationwide culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. With a vision to transform India into an innovation hub, AIM supports innovators at every stage—from school students to startups and social enterprises—through a range of targeted programs. As of December 2024, AIM has established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, incubated more than 3,500 startups through 72 Atal Incubation Centres, and engaged over 6,200 mentors across the country. Its initiatives have collectively impacted over 1 crore students, created 30,000+ jobs, and driven inclusive innovation across underserved regions. By laying the foundation for a vibrant innovation ecosystem, AIM is playing a pivotal role in making India one of the world’s top startup and innovation destinations.

Programmatic Structure

AIM’s innovation ecosystem is built around a series of targeted programs, each designed to support a specific stage of the innovation and entrepreneurship lifecycle. From fostering curiosity and creativity in school students to enabling startups, researchers, and community innovators, AIM ensures tailored support through distinct yet interconnected initiatives. The table below outlines the key programs and their core focus areas.

Program	Target Audience	Objective
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)	Schools (Class 6–12)	Foster curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving among students through hands-on STEM learning.
Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)	Incubators & Startups	Support early-stage startups with physical space, mentorship, and seed funding.
Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs)	Institutions in underserved regions	Drive grassroots innovation in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities and rural areas.
Atal New India Challenges (ANICs)	Startups, MSMEs	Solve national-level socio-economic challenges through innovation.
Mentor India Network	Professionals, entrepreneurs	Provide guidance to ATL students and startup founders.

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1. Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)

Who it’s for: Early-stage startups (individual founders or teams) with a working idea, prototype, or MVP who are looking for incubation, mentorship, and funding.

Support Offered:

• Incubation Space: Access to co-working space, labs, internet, and office infrastructure.

• Mentorship: Business guidance, market linkage, IP support, legal and compliance help.

• Networking: Exposure to investors, partners, and government bodies.

• Funding via AICs: Startups incubated at AICs can apply for:

  • Seed funding up to ₹50 lakh (for product development, go-to-market, and operations).

  • Grants for prototyping, patenting, and commercialization (based on case-by-case basis).

 

Criteria & Eligibility

Criteria	Details	Required Documents
Startup Stage	Must be in the early stages with at least a validated idea, prototype, or MVP.	Pitch deck, product demo (if available), and brief business summary.
Business Type	Innovation or product-based startups with potential for market disruption or social impact.	Executive summary detailing innovation or tech proposition.
Registration Status	Should be a registered Indian entity: • Private Limited Company • LLP • Registered Startup under DPIIT	Certificate of Incorporation or DPIIT Recognition Certificate.
Sector Focus	Open to all sectors; preference for sectors like health, agri-tech, clean energy, deep tech, etc.	Mentioned in the application form; no specific document unless sector-specific proof is requested.
Founders’ Nationality	At least one founder must be an Indian citizen.	Aadhaar card, PAN, or any government-issued ID of the founder.
Duplication of Grants	The project must not have received similar financial aid from another central government startup scheme.	Declaration/Undertaking on company letterhead.
IP/Technology Ownership	Startup must own or have rights to develop the core innovation.	Patent application, IP license, or ownership declaration (if applicable).
Scalability Potential	Should demonstrate clear potential for growth, employment generation, or solving critical challenges.	Business plan with growth projections and impact analysis.

How Funds Are Allocated & Disbursed – Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)

The funding process under AICs is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and results-based support. Rather than direct grants from AIM to startups, the funding flows through designated incubation centres that act as the implementing agencies.

Here’s how it works in detail:

1. Fund Flow Structure

• AIM → Host Institution: AIM allocates funding to selected academic or R&D institutions to establish and operate AICs.

• AIC → Startups: These host institutions then provide funding to the startups they incubate — based on startup needs, proposal strength, and milestones.
  

  
  

2. Startup Funding – Types & Limits

Startups selected by AICs may receive:

• Seed Funding up to ₹50 lakh, typically in phases.

• Prototyping or Technical Grants on a case-by-case basis (e.g., ₹5–₹15 lakh for MVPs or patents).

3. Milestone-Based Disbursal Process

Funds are not given upfront. They are released in tranches linked to pre-agreed business or product milestones. Common milestones include:

Milestone	Example Activities Covered
Prototype Completion	Building an MVP, developing functional hardware/software.
Pilot or Field Testing	Testing with early users/customers, refining product.
Market Launch	Initial go-to-market phase, brand development, early sales.
Commercial Scale-Up	Hiring, supply chain expansion, regulatory clearances.

Each milestone must be documented with deliverables like reports, product demos, or user data to trigger the next disbursal.

4. Fund Utilization & Monitoring

• Startups must maintain proper utilization certificates and progress reports.

• AICs monitor performance regularly and submit updates to AIM.

• If milestones aren’t met or funds are misused, further disbursal can be paused or cancelled.

5. Typical Disbursal Documents Required

• Milestone plan and budget forecast.

• Founder's declaration on fund usage.

• Progress or technical report on previous funding round.

• CA-certified utilization certificate (post-funding).

Application Window

Most AICs accept applications on a rolling basis, but some operate in cohort cycles with 1–3 rounds per year. Before applying, visit:

• AIM Website – AIC List

• Startup India Portal – Incubators

Tip: Check the individual AIC’s website or social media for active intake announcements.

Step-by-Step Application Process with Timelines

Step	Action	Expected Timeline
Step 1: Research & Shortlist	Identify suitable AICs by location, sector, or institution	1–2 days
Step 2: Document Preparation	Prepare pitch deck, business plan, registration proof, founders’ IDs, and prototype (if any)	4–7 days
Step 3: Online Application	Submit application through the AIC website or email as per the given format	Immediate upon submission
Step 4: Initial Screening	AIC team reviews application and supporting documents	1–2 weeks
Step 5: Interview / Pitch	Shortlisted applicants are invited for pitch or demo presentations	Within 2–3 weeks after review
Step 6: Selection & Onboarding	Final selection, legal formalities, agreement signing	1 week after selection
Step 7: Incubation Begins	Access to infrastructure, mentorship, and network support begins	Immediately or as per schedule
Step 8: Fund Disbursement	If approved, seed funding disbursed based on agreed milestones	Disbursed in 2–3 tranches over 3–12 months

Total Estimated Time From Application to Incubation Start:

3–6 weeks, depending on the AIC’s internal timelines and program schedule.

List of Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) in India

This is a comprehensive list of 72 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) across India, detailing their host institutions, locations, and domain expertise. These centres play a crucial role in nurturing startups and sector-specific innovation.

S.No	AIC Name	Host Institution	Location	Domain Expertise
1	AIC ALEAP We-Hub	Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India	Hyderabad, Telangana	Manufacturing, Multisector Business Incubation
2	AIC-SMUTBI	Sikkim Manipal University	Majitar, Sikkim	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
3	AIC-SMVDU TBIC	Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University	Katra, Jammu & Kashmir	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
4	AIC-SRIHER	Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	Healthcare, Medical Devices, Biotechnology
5	AIC-SRKR Foundation	SRKR Engineering College	Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
6	AIC-SSIPMT	Shri Shankaracharya Inst. of Professional Mgmt. and Technology	Raipur, Chhattisgarh	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
7	AIC-T-Hub Foundation	T-Hub Foundation	Hyderabad, Telangana	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
8	AIC-TEZ	Tezpur University	Tezpur, Assam	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
9	AIC-TNAU Incubator	Tamil Nadu Agricultural University	Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu	Agriculture, Agri-Tech, Food Processing
10	AIC-TU Incubator	Tezpur University	Tezpur, Assam	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
11	AIC-UMIT Foundation	Usha Mittal Institute of Technology	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
12	AIC-VGU Foundation	Vivekananda Global University	Jaipur, Rajasthan	Technology, Innovation,
13	AIC-GUSEC	Gujarat University	Ahmedabad, Gujarat	Sector Agnostic, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
14	AIC-MUJ	Manipal University Jaipur	Jaipur, Rajasthan	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
15	AIC-ISB Hyderabad	Indian School of Business	Hyderabad, Telangana	Business Incubation, Entrepreneurship
16	AIC-RAISE	Rise Against Hunger India	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship
17	AIC-CCMB	Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology	Hyderabad, Telangana	Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare
18	AIC-DSU	Dayananda Sagar University	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
19	AIC-ISB Mohali	Indian School of Business	Mohali, Punjab	Business Incubation, Entrepreneurship
20	AIC-JKLU	JK Lakshmipat University	Jaipur, Rajasthan	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
21	AIC-NMIMS	Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
22	AIC-FITT IIT Delhi	Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT Delhi	Sonipat, Haryana	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
23	AIC-EMPI	EMPI Business School	New Delhi, Delhi	Business Incubation, Entrepreneurship
24	AIC-GGSIPU	Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University	New Delhi, Delhi	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
25	AIC-Aartech	Aartech Solonics Limited	Mandideep, Madhya Pradesh	Energy, Manufacturing, Engineering
26	AIC-AAU Incubator	Assam Agricultural University	Jorhat, Assam	Agriculture, Agri-Tech, Food Processing
27	AIC-ADT Baramati Foundation	Agricultural Development Trust	Baramati, Maharashtra	Agriculture, Healthcare, IT, Manufacturing
28	AIC-AU Incubation Foundation	Anna University	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	Smart City Tech, Health-tech, Agri-tech, Edu-Tech
29	AIC-BV Foundation	Bihar Vidyapith	Patna, Bihar	Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship
30	AIC-BIMTECH	Birla Institute of Management Technology	Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh	Sector Agnostic Business Incubation
31	AIC-PRESTIGE Inspire	Prestige Institute of Management and Research	Indore, Madhya Pradesh	Business Incubation, Entrepreneurship
32	AIC-RNTU Foundation	Rabindranath Tagore University	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh	Multisector Innovation, Entrepreneurship
33	AIC-IIIM	CSIR - Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine	Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir	Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Healthcare
34	AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU	Banaras Hindu University	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Clean Tech, Ed-Tech, Agri-Tech, Social, Defence
35	AIC-AUDF	Ambedkar University Delhi Foundation	New Delhi, Delhi	Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship
36	AIC-JNU	Jawaharlal Nehru University	New Delhi, Delhi	Social Sciences, Innovation
37	AIC-NIFTEM-TBI	National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Mgmt	Kundli, Haryana	Food Processing, Agri-Tech, Innovation
38	AIC-NMAMIT	Nitte Mahalinga Adyanthaya Memorial Institute of Technology	Nitte, Karnataka	Technology, Innovation, Rural Tech
39	AIC-RISE Association	RISE Association	Pune, Maharashtra	Multisector Business Incubation
40	AIC-RMP Foundation	Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology	Amethi, Uttar Pradesh	Energy, Engineering, Tech Innovation
41	AIC-ISB Mohali	Indian School of Business	Mohali, Punjab	Entrepreneurship, Business Incubation
42	AIC-Mahamana	Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Technology, Health, Agri, Social, Education
43	AIC-ICRISAT	International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics	Hyderabad, Telangana	Agri-Tech, Food Security, Sustainable Development
44	AIC-MIT ADT Incubator Forum	MIT Art Design and Technology University	Pune, Maharashtra	Design, Tech, Innovation, Agri-Tech
45	AIC-DSC Foundation	Deshpande Foundation	Hubli, Karnataka	Rural Tech, Social Impact, Innovation
46	AIC-VITF	Vellore Institute of Technology	Vellore, Tamil Nadu	Tech, Engineering, Research & Development
47	AIC-RTBI	IIT Madras Research Park (RTBI)	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	Deep Tech, Rural Tech, Clean Tech
48	AIC-CTTC	Central Tool Room and Training Centre	Bhubaneswar, Odisha	Manufacturing, Product Development, MSME Support
49	AIC-MANAGE	National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)	Hyderabad, Telangana	Agribusiness, Agri-Tech
50	AIC-AMTZ MediValley	Andhra MedTech Zone (AMTZ)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh	Healthcare, MedTech, Devices
51	AIC-PONDICHERRY ENG COLLEGE	Pondicherry Engineering College	Puducherry	Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
52	AIC-MSME FOUNDATION	MSME Technology Centre	New Delhi, Delhi	MSME Support, Manufacturing, Innovation
53	AIC-MIER	Model Institute of Education and Research	Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir	Education, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
54	AIC-JKEDI	Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute	Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir	Entrepreneurship, Skill Development
55	AIC-LMCP	L.M. College of Pharmacy	Ahmedabad, Gujarat	Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Healthcare
56	AIC-RKGIT	Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology	Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh	Technology, Innovation, MSMEs
57	AIC-NIFT-TEA	NIFT-TEA College of Knitwear Fashion	Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu	Fashion Tech, Apparel, Design
58	AIC-GITAM Foundation	GITAM (Deemed to be University)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh	Tech, Entrepreneurship, Innovation
59	AIC-CBIT	Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology	Hyderabad, Telangana	Technology, Multisector Innovation
60	AIC-CEWIT	Centre for Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology	Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu	Wireless Tech, ICT, Electronics
61	AIC-PRESTIGE BHOPAL	Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh	Business Incubation, Tech Entrepreneurship
62	AIC-EDII Gujarat	Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India	Gandhinagar, Gujarat	Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Startups
63	AIC-RISE Bhopal	Rabindranath Tagore University	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh	Innovation, Rural Tech, Skill Development
64	AIC-NIFTEM-K	National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Mgmt	Kundli, Haryana	Food Tech, Processing, Agri-Tech
65	AIC-CCRI	Central Citrus Research Institute	Nagpur, Maharashtra	Agri-Tech, Horticulture, Citrus Tech
66	AIC-AIMED	Association of Indian Medical Device Industry	New Delhi, Delhi	Medical Devices, MedTech, Healthcare
67	AIC-KL Tech Foundation	KL Deemed to be University	Guntur, Andhra Pradesh	Tech, Robotics, AI, Smart Cities
68	AIC-Nalanda	Nalanda University	Rajgir, Bihar	Social Innovation, Rural Entrepreneurship
69	AIC-IIMK LIVE	Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode	Kozhikode, Kerala	Business, Management, Tech Incubation
70	AIC-IFMR	Institute for Financial Management and Research	Sri City, Andhra Pradesh	FinTech, Business, Policy, Analytics
71	AIC-Galgotias Foundation	Galgotias University	Greater Noida, UP	Tech, Entrepreneurship, AI
72	AIC-ISME	International School of Management Excellence	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Management, Business, Innovation

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2. Atal New India Challenges (ANIC)

Who it’s for:

Innovators, startups, MSMEs, and individual technologists working on transformative tech-based solutions to address national-level or sector-specific challenges. These challenges are defined by ministries and focus areas such as:

• Healthcare

• Agriculture and Agri-Tech

• Water and Sanitation

• Clean Energy

• Smart Mobility

• Urban Sustainability

• Deep Tech and Industry 4.0

Support Offered:

Funding up to ₹1 crore per selected startup for:

• Product validation, pilot deployment, and testing in real-world conditions.

• Commercialization and early-stage scaling.

Mentorship from domain experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials.

Access to Public Infrastructure & Departments:

• Selected solutions may be tested or implemented in public systems (e.g., hospitals, agri departments, PSUs, etc.).

Criteria & Eligibility

Criteria	Details	Required Documents
Startup Stage	Must have at least a functional prototype or MVP. Idea-stage applicants are generally not considered.	Working prototype video or description, TRL (Technology Readiness Level) brief.
Problem Alignment	The innovation must directly address one of the predefined problem statements under ANIC.	Statement of relevance or proposal aligned to published challenge areas.
Entity Type	Must be a registered Indian entity: • Private Limited Company • Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) • DPIIT-recognized Startup In special cases: Individual innovators	Certificate of Incorporation or DPIIT Certificate; Aadhaar (for individuals).
Technology Ownership	Startup must fully own or have clear rights to use/develop the proposed technology or IP.	Patent application, IP declaration, or technology license (if applicable).
Scalability & Impact	Must demonstrate potential for large-scale impact, particularly in public or national systems.	Business plan with use case, deployment model, and projected outcomes.
Government Integration	Preference for innovations that can be integrated into existing government programs or schemes.	Letter of interest from government department (if available), use case document.
Duplication of Grants	Innovation should not be receiving funding from another central government challenge scheme at the same time.	Declaration on company letterhead.
Founders’ Nationality	At least one founder must be an Indian citizen.	Government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport).

How ANIC Funds Are Allocated & Disbursed

ANIC follows a structured, milestone-based disbursement model to ensure implementation focus and transparency.

1. Fund Flow

• AIM → Implementing Partner/Incubator: AIM disburses funds to a designated incubation partner.

• Partner → Startup: Funds are then released to startups in phases based on milestone achievements.

 2. Milestone-Based Funding (up to ₹1 crore)

Milestone	Example Activities
Product Validation	Field testing, regulatory clearances, feedback collection, iteration.
Pilot Deployment	Real-world testing in public departments, hospitals, villages, schools, etc.
Scale-Up	Expanding to new geographies, onboarding users, public-private partnerships.
Commercialization	Market readiness, sales pipeline development, onboarding clients or customers.

Each milestone is tied to outcome metrics (e.g., number of users, deployments, performance indicators).

3. Fund Monitoring & Compliance

• Utilization certificates and milestone reports must be submitted.

• Progress is evaluated by AIM and technical/sector experts.

• Non-performance or misuse can lead to funding being withheld.
  

4. Documents Typically Required

• Detailed milestone-wise execution and financial plan.

• Declaration of non-duplication of grants.

• Monthly or quarterly progress report.

• Proof of pilot/test results (photos, reports, testimonials).

• CA-certified utilization certificates after each tranche.

  
  
  
  

Application Window – Atal New India Challenges (ANIC)

ANIC launches problem statements in challenge rounds, typically 1–2 calls per year, each focused on specific national/sectoral issues.

To apply, regularly check:

• AIM Website – ANIC Page (for open challenges and updates)

• Startup India Portal – Challenges Section

• MyGov Innovation Portal

Tip: Sign up for alerts on the AIM website and follow their LinkedIn or Twitter page to stay updated on new challenge launches.

Step-by-Step Application Process with Timelines

Step	Action	Expected Timeline
Step 1: Monitor Challenge Calls	Track open ANIC challenges that match your tech area (health, agri, water, etc.).	1–2 days (review each call's brief)
Step 2: Understand the Problem Statement	Read the detailed challenge document to ensure alignment.	1–2 days
Step 3: Document Preparation	Prepare: pitch deck, prototype demo, tech brief, registration docs, impact statement.	4–7 days
Step 4: Online Submission	Apply via AIM or Startup India portal (as per challenge link)	Immediate upon submission
Step 5: Evaluation Round 1	Initial screening for relevance, readiness, and eligibility.	2–3 weeks
Step 6: Pitch to Jury	Selected entries present tech demo to expert panel (virtual or physical pitch).	1–2 weeks after shortlisting
Step 7: Final Selection & Agreement	Legal onboarding and formal acceptance into ANIC support program.	1 week after selection
Step 8: Grant Disbursement (Tranche 1)	First fund release upon milestone plan approval.	Within 1 month of agreement

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3. Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs)

Who it’s for:

Startups, students, individual innovators, NGOs, SHG members, and grassroots entrepreneurs—especially those from tier 2/3 cities, tribal belts, and underserved rural areas. ACICs aim to make innovation accessible beyond metro cities by offering local infrastructure, tools, mentorship, and early-stage funding for community-focused solutions.

Support Offered:

• Co-creation & Innovation Infrastructure: Access to labs, fabrication equipment, and workspace in local colleges or rural innovation centers.

• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Expert guidance, workshops, training sessions, and exposure to problem-solving frameworks.

• Seed & Prototype Grants: Micro-grants ranging from ₹2–₹15 lakh for prototyping, testing, and pilot implementation.

• Local Government & Ecosystem Access: Facilitation to work with rural schools, health centers, local panchayats, and MSMEs.

• Community Engagement Programs: Local hackathons, problem challenges, and school/university outreach programs.

Criteria & Eligibility

Criteria	Details	Required Documents
Startup/Innovator Type	Early-stage startups, student teams, NGOs, SHG members, or individual innovators from rural areas.	Aadhaar/PAN (individuals), or NGO registration certificate.
Stage of Innovation	Idea-stage to prototype-ready innovations solving grassroots problems.	Concept note, sketch/model or prototype photo/video (if any).
Location Focus	Must be based in or targeting underserved areas (rural, tribal, semi-urban).	Address proof, local contact reference.
Sector Focus	Education, agriculture, handicrafts, health, sanitation, water, energy, environment, etc.	Mentioned in the proposal.
IP/Ownership	Innovators should own or be free to develop the idea further.	Declaration of ownership or IP rights (if any).
Social Impact Potential	Preference to solutions that support livelihood, health, or quality of life in underserved areas.	One-pager explaining local relevance and community need.

Application Window – Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs)

Most ACICs run rolling intakes, periodic innovation calls, and local outreach programs throughout the year.

To apply:

• Visit the AIM ACIC Overview for latest updates.

• Or contact the nearest ACIC listed on the Startup India Portal.

• Physical application or walk-ins are also encouraged at local ACIC campuses.

Tip: Follow ACICs on LinkedIn, Facebook, or WhatsApp groups to get alerts for local hackathons, grant rounds, or maker fairs.

Step-by-Step Application Process with Timelines

Step	Action	Expected Timeline
Step 1: Identify Local ACIC	Find and connect with the nearest ACIC relevant to your domain or geography.	1–2 days
Step 2: Engagement/Visit	Contact the ACIC or visit physically to understand their intake format.	1–3 days
Step 3: Prepare Documents	Create a concept note, prototype visuals, ID proof, and optional mentor recommendation.	3–5 days
Step 4: Submit Application	Submit either digitally (if supported) or in person.	As per ACIC call or intake round
Step 5: Review & Interaction	Informal pitch or interview with the ACIC selection committee.	1–2 weeks
Step 6: Selection & Onboarding	Final confirmation, signed agreement, and access to space/tools.	1 week after selection
Step 7: Prototype & Pilot	If funded, development and deployment in local settings begins.	Immediate or as scheduled

How Funds Are Allocated & Disbursed – ACICs

ACIC funding focuses on enabling early innovation and empowering underrepresented communities through simple, milestone-driven micro support.

Fund Flow Structure

• AIM → ACIC Host Institution: AIM funds selected academic or social institutions to set up and operate ACICs.

• ACIC → Innovators/Startups: These institutions directly support selected applicants with cash grants or tool access.

Types of Funding Support

Type of Support	Purpose	Typical Amount
Prototype Grants	Develop a working model, test early idea	₹2–₹5 lakh
Idea Validation Support	Real-world testing in schools, farms, etc.	₹5–₹10 lakh
Micro Seed Capital	Pilot solution in community, explore local scale-up	₹10–₹15 lakh
In-Kind Support	Use of labs, 3D printers, IoT kits, solar tools, etc.	₹2–₹3 lakh equivalent value

Milestone-Based Disbursal Process

Milestone	Example Activities Covered
Prototype Build	Material procurement, fabrication work, mockup or MVP creation
Community Testing	Feedback from local user groups, refinement based on real-world use
Pilot Deployment	Small-scale usage in panchayat, school, agri farm, etc.
Final Showcase	Result presented to ACIC or community stakeholders

Monitoring & Reporting

• ACIC teams check progress through simple local visits or phone check-ins.

• Innovators may submit:

  • Photos/videos of progress

  • Short activity updates or community feedback

  • Budget usage explanation

• Larger grants may require CA-certified utilization certificate and mentor verification.

Typical Documents Required

Document	Purpose
Concept Note or Project Proposal	Explains idea, impact, and how it addresses a local problem
Founder's ID & Address Proof	Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN
Basic Budget/Resource Plan	Expected costs and materials needed
Mentor Recommendation (if any)	Optional, for credibility
Post-Use Documentation	Photos, reports, or testimonials after deployment

Estimated Time From Application to Support Start:

3–6 weeks, depending on the ACIC’s internal cycles and readiness of the innovator.

4. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)

Who it’s for:

School students (Grades 6–12), teachers, and school management—especially from government and affordable private schools—looking to foster creativity, hands-on learning, and early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

ATLs aim to cultivate a spirit of innovation, curiosity, and problem-solving among young minds by giving them access to modern tech tools and mentoring.

Support Offered:

One-Time Grant of ₹20 lakh per selected school:

• ₹10 lakh for infrastructure (equipment, tools, setup).

• ₹10 lakh for operational expenses over 5 years.

Fully Equipped Innovation Workspace:

• 3D printers, robotics kits, IoT modules, sensors, mini electronics lab.

Curriculum & Learning Resources:

• DIY activity modules, ATL handbooks, online learning content.

Teacher Training & Innovation Coaches:

• Capacity building for teachers to run the lab and mentor students.

National Innovation Challenges:

• Regular contests (e.g., ATL Marathon), exhibitions, bootcamps, and showcases.

Access to Innovation Network:

• Connect with startups, mentors, nearby incubators, and other ATL schools.

Criteria & Eligibility

Criteria	Details	Required Documents
School Type	Govt, Govt-aided, Tribal, Navodaya, and affordable private schools (Grade 6–12).	School affiliation certificate (CBSE/ICSE/State board).
Infrastructure	Minimum 1,000 sq. ft. of dedicated space for ATL setup.	Declaration from school management.
Leadership Commitment	Principal and teachers should commit to running ATL actively.	Expression of Interest from school head.
Location Preference	Preference to aspirational districts, rural and remote schools.	School location proof/address.
School Engagement	Must have strong STEM orientation and student participation culture.	Project documentation (if previously applied).

Application Window – Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)

ATL selection happens through periodic application windows announced by the Atal Innovation Mission. Schools can check for updates here:

• AIM ATL Portal

• MyGov – ATL Challenges

• Startup India – ATL & Youth Innovation

Tip: Join the ATL WhatsApp community and newsletter to receive updates on new rounds and programs.

Step-by-Step Application Process with Timelines

Step	Action	Expected Timeline
Step 1: Application Open	ATL round announced by AIM	Fixed window (1–2 months)
Step 2: School Registration	Fill school details and submit basic infrastructure proof	3–5 days
Step 3: Proposal Submission	Submit innovation plan, student engagement ideas, STEM orientation	5–7 days
Step 4: Internal Screening	AIM team evaluates proposals and shortlist eligible schools	3–4 weeks
Step 5: Final Selection	Approved schools are notified via email and ATL portal	1–2 weeks after review
Step 6: Fund Disbursement	Funds transferred to school's bank account post-MoU and agreement signing	1–2 months
Step 7: Lab Setup & Launch	Procurement of tools, teacher training, lab activation	Within 6 months from fund receipt

How Funds Are Allocated & Disbursed – ATL

The ATL program provides funding in two phases, designed to set up and sustain the lab over time:

Fund Flow Structure

• AIM → School Bank Account (via District/State Nodal):

  
  

  Funds are released directly to the selected schools post-verification.

Funding Breakdown

Component	Purpose	Amount
Capital Grant	Infrastructure, furniture, lab setup, tools	₹10 lakh (one-time)
Operational Grant	Maintenance, consumables, mentor sessions, events	₹2 lakh/year for 5 years (₹10 lakh total)

Utilization Guidelines

• Tools and equipment must match AIM’s approved list (robotics kits, 3D printers, etc.).

• Schools must conduct regular activities, submit usage reports, and participate in challenges.
  

Monitoring & Compliance

• Schools must:

  • Maintain an ATL logbook

  • Upload reports to the ATL dashboard

  • Submit annual utilization certificates (UCs)

• Surprise audits and mentor evaluations may be conducted.

Typical Documents Required

Document	Purpose
School Registration Certificate	CBSE/ICSE/State affiliation
ATL Application Form	Filled during application window
Letter of Support	Signed by Principal or School Management
Bank Account Details	For fund transfer
ATL Lab Photos & Activity Reports	Submitted post-launch on a regular basis
Annual UC & Financial Statement	Post-utilization audit and transparency compliance

Total Time From Application to ATL Launch:

3–6 months, depending on application cycle and school readiness.