How to Apply for Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) for Business?

India is fast becoming a global innovation powerhouse, and at the center of this transformation is the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, AIM is designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and a problem-solving mindset across schools, startups and MSMEs. Whether you're building a deep-tech prototype or working on grassroots innovation in a Tier-3 town, AIM offers dedicated programs and funding opportunities tailored to your journey.

This blog offers a complete guide on what AIM is, which sectors it covers, how startups benefit, and how to apply.

What is the Atal Innovation Mission?

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation, foster collaboration between academia and industry, and support high-impact entrepreneurs. It was created to make India a job-creator economy by empowering startups with the infrastructure, mentorship, and capital required to scale.

With a multi-crore government budget backing it, AIM supports incubators, school labs, challenge grants, community centers, and more.

Sectors and Industries Supported by AIM

AIM's ecosystem is sector-agnostic yet strategically targeted. Its programs touch nearly every vertical:

• Manufacturing & Transport
• Energy & CleanTech
• HealthTech & MedTech
• Education & EdTech
• Agriculture & AgriTech
• Food Processing
• Tourism, AR/VR, Fintech, SpaceTech

Thousands of startups have been nurtured through AIM’s 72+ Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), with sector-specific hubs and labs to support R&D and prototype testing.

AIM also runs annual sector-focused competitions like the Atal New India Challenge (ANIC), where entrepreneurs propose tech solutions to India’s biggest challenges from smart mobility and waste management to fog-vision systems and climate-smart agriculture.

At the school level, 10,000+ Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) bring mini innovation ecosystems into classrooms, ensuring the startup mindset is seeded early.

Key Programs Startups Can Apply To

1. Atal Incubation Centres (AICs)
   • Offer co-working space, lab facilities, seed funding, and expert mentorship.
   • Ideal for startups at MVP or product development stage.
2. Atal New India Challenge (ANIC)
   • Government-funded challenge that awards up to ₹1 crore for solving national problems.
   • Perfect for startups with prototypes ready to pilot or commercialize.
3. Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC)
   • Targets innovators in Tier-2/3 towns and underserved regions.
   • Funding up to ₹2.5 crore for regional innovation hubs.
4. Mentor India – Mentors of Change
   • A national mentorship network of 6,200+ experts supporting startups on product, market, funding, and tech strategy.
5. Atal Tinkering Labs (for schools)
   • While not for startups directly, this builds a future pipeline of tech-savvy entrepreneurs and innovators.

How to Apply to AIM Programs

Each AIM program has its own eligibility and application timeline. Here’s the general process:

1. Identify the Right Program:
   • Deeptech startup? Look at AICs.
   • Solving a national-scale problem? ANIC is for you.
   • In a rural region? Apply to ACIC.
2. Visit the Official Portal:
   • All applications go through aim.gov.in
3. Download Guidelines:
   • Check eligibility, required documentation, evaluation criteria, and deadlines.
4. Prepare Your Application:
   • Write a clear problem statement and solution.
   • Attach pitch decks, technical prototypes, market research, and team bios.
5. Submit & Pitch:
   • Shortlisted startups may be called for presentations or interviews.

Tip: Most calls for proposals open once or twice a year. Set calendar reminders to apply on time.

Budget Trends: AIM 2.0 and What It Means for You

AIM's budget has seen a major boost. From tens of crores in 2016 to over ₹400 crore in FY 2025-26, the support has grown exponentially. In late 2024, the government approved Atal Innovation Mission 2.0, with a funding envelope of ₹2,750 crore through 2028.

More money means:

• More incubators in more cities
• Higher-value grants
• Increased mentor access
• More chances to get selected

Real Startups, Real Impact

Some notable AIM-funded ventures include:

• Agringenium Innovations (AgriTech)
• Tycheejuno Speciality Tyres (Automotive)
• Pixy Electric Cars (Green Mobility)
• Intello Labs (AI + Agriculture)

So far, 2,900+ startups, including 850+ women-led, have been funded or incubated under AIM and these ventures span biotech, fintech, robotics, edtech, and beyond.

Even traditional MSMEs can modernize through ACICs by tapping into AIM’s innovation ecosystem.

How StartupFlora Can Help You Apply

Navigating government schemes can be complex. StartupFlora’s Scheme Support experts help you unlock AIM with less hassle and more success

• Program Matching: We assess your domain, product stage, and innovation type to map the right AIM program for you.
• End-to-End Application Help: From proposals to pitch decks, we ensure your application stands out.
• Incubator Connections: Our network of 50+ top AICs and state incubators gives you insider access.
• Post-Funding Growth: We help you scale through mentor introductions, investor connects, and strategy advisory.

Let us handle the forms. You handle the innovation.

FAQs: AIM for Startups

Q: Can I apply for more than one AIM scheme? A: Yes, as long as the funding doesn’t overlap. Many startups begin with AICs and later apply for ANIC.

Q: Is AIM only for tech startups? A: No. Any startup solving real-world problems with innovative models is eligible—tech just increases your odds.

Q: What are the chances of approval? A: Competitive, but focused applications with proof-of-concept, a real problem statement, and execution ability have a strong chance.

Q: Can I apply if I'm from a rural or tribal area? A: Yes. ACICs specifically support local entrepreneurs with grants up to ₹2.5 crore.

Q: Is StartupFlora a government partner? A: We're not an official partner, but we work with multiple AICs, mentors, and policy experts to help startups navigate AIM and other schemes effectively.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about building for India, AIM is not just an option it’s an opportunity. And with AIM 2.0’s increased scope, now is the best time to apply.

Whether you're developing AI-based agri tools, IoT-enabled transport solutions, or building local enterprises in small towns, AIM is designed to back you.

Apply smart, apply soon. And let StartupFlora be your guide.