NITI Aayog's AIM Launches First State Innovation Mission In Tripura

(MENAFN- KNN India) Agartala, Feb 27 (KNN) The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, on Thursday launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura.

The SIM, part of AIM 2.0 under NITI Aayog's State Support Mission, is designed as a permanent institutional mechanism to help States and Union Territories build inclusive and context-specific innovation ecosystems aligned with national priorities and local strengths.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha outlined the SIM framework for Tripura, including its institutionalisation under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT). He also inaugurated T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups), a dedicated incubation facility to promote startups and 'Make from Tripura' solutions.

Innovation Centres will be set up in all eight districts and linked to T-NEST to encourage participation from women and tribal communities.

Saha further announced the launch of a District Innovator Fellowship (DIF) to support grassroots innovators and said Tripura would introduce a State AI Policy aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of responsible AI. He also proposed developing an AI City in Agartala with support from global technology partners.

Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem

Under the SIM, AIM will work with the Tripura government to design and implement a long-term innovation and entrepreneurship strategy aligned with the State's economic priorities. The Mission will focus on capacity building, policy support, partnerships, and interventions across the innovation lifecycle.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said AIM has fostered a culture of innovation in governance and enabled States to become drivers of growth.

He noted that the SIM launch reflects how States can leverage innovation frameworks to unlock local potential.

Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, AIM, said the initiative aims to empower States to lead innovation in their own contexts, ensuring inclusive participation across districts and communities.

The SIM will also promote innovation education from the school level and improve access to infrastructure, mentorship and funding for startups.

(KNN Bureau)

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