AIM Aligned With Govt's Innovation-Led Growth Push: Jitendra Singh

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Feb 4 (KNN) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday linked the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with the Modi government's thrust on innovation-led growth and scalable startups, highlighting the Union Budget 2026–27's focus on ease of doing business.

Budget Push for Startups and Innovation

Addressing the Annual Atal Innovation Incubator Conclave 'AIM SUMVAAD' in New Delhi, the Minister said the Union Budget 2026–27 provides a strong impetus to India's startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with emphasis on incubation, innovation and women-led economic participation.

He noted that new enabling frameworks for startups, biomanufacturing and Self-Help Entrepreneurs (SHE) reflect an evolving approach towards inclusive and sustainable growth.

National Platform for Incubation Ecosystem

AIM SUMVAAD, held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, is the flagship annual conclave of the Atal Innovation Mission, bringing together over 150 Atal Incubation Centres and Atal Community Innovation Centres, along with policymakers, industry leaders, CSR heads, mentors and ecosystem stakeholders.

Tracing the evolution of India's innovation ecosystem, Dr Singh said structured innovation received decisive political backing after 2014, enabling initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and startup-focused policy interventions.

He said nearly 50,000 ATLs are now operational across the country, expanding access to innovation infrastructure in districts, smaller towns and rural areas.

Startup Growth and Employment Generation

The Minister said India's startup ecosystem has expanded from a few hundred startups a decade ago to over two lakh startups, generating large-scale employment and offering viable alternatives to traditional salaried jobs. He added that entrepreneurship has increasingly emerged as a credible and aspirational career option for young Indians.

Biomanufacturing and Emerging Innovation Areas

Referring to Budget 2026–27 initiatives, Dr Singh highlighted the Biomanufacturing Shakti Mission, stating that it aligns with India's strengths in biotechnology, biopharma, natural resources and human capital.

He said emerging focus areas such as the ocean economy, deep-sea resources and Himalayan bio-resources further broaden India's innovation landscape.

The Minister also highlighted the National Incubator Assessment Framework, describing it as a centralised digital platform for performance benchmarking and data integration of incubators nationwide.

He said the framework will support collaboration, transparency and capacity building across public, private and non-government incubation ecosystems.

Dr Singh said the integration of startups, incubation and women-centric initiatives, ranging from Self-Help Groups and Lakhpati Didi to Self-Help Entrepreneurs (SHE), underscores the government's commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, with women playing a central role in India's innovation-led growth journey.

(KNN Bureau)

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