New Delhi: In a bid to promote research & innovation and increase competitiveness of Indian startups and MSMEs, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship program of Niti Ayog launched Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE – ANIC (Atal New India Challenges). Launched in tandem with ISRO and various other ministries, the national initiative calls upon MSMEs and startups to find innovative solutions for sectoral problems. ARISE- ANIC also aligns well with the Honorable PMs mandate of “Make in India”, “Startup India”, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Focusing on areas such as defense, food processing, health & family welfare and housing & urban affairs, 15 sector specific challenges will be presented to applicants. Selected technopreneurs and startups will receive a grant-of-aid of up 50 lakh for a period of 9 to 12 months during which they will have to develop a minimum usable prototype.

Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Ayog explained that India lagged in the race to create innovative products because our ministries do not become the first buyers of startups’ products. Remedying that ARISE – ANIC will ensure that a steady stream of innovative products & solutions that will have Central Government Ministries / Departments as their first potential buyers.

During the launch K Sivan, Chairman, ISRO said, “This flagship program will promote innovations and entrepreneurship across the length and breadth of the country”.

In a webinar announcing the program’s launch MSME minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized on the critical role played by MSMEs and startups in the strengthening India’s exports and net production. He also expressed optimism regarding the growth potential of the MSME sector.

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