AIM operates through a structured family of programs, each targeting a different stage of the innovation-to-enterprise pipeline. Each is explained in detail in the sections below.

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Atal Incubation Centres are world-class, greenfield startup incubators that AIM helps establish at universities, research institutions, and corporates, to nurture innovative startups on their journey to becoming scalable, sustainable businesses. Most AICs are sector-specific, spanning areas such as manufacturing, transport, energy, health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, IoT, and cybersecurity.

Eligibility Criteria

• Higher educational institutions and R&D institutes
• Corporate sector entities
• Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) registered with SEBI
• Business accelerators
• Groups of individuals and individuals
• The applicant must provide at least 10,000 sq. ft. of ready-to-use, built-up space for the exclusive use of the AIC — construction or land acquisition is not funded under this scheme, and virtual incubators are not supported

Financial Support

The grant is released in tranches based on satisfactory progress and fulfilment of financial requirements, and the AIC must maintain a separate, auditable bank account and books of accounts for the funds received.

What Incubated Startups Receive

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The Atal New India Challenge is a flagship AIM program designed to seek, select, support, and nurture technology-based innovations that solve sectoral challenges of national importance and societal relevance. ANIC specifically solicits innovations at the prototype stage and supports selected startups through to commercialisation.

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Atal Community Innovation Centres are designed to bring innovation infrastructure and opportunity to underserved and unserved regions of India — areas that typically lack access to the institutional density (universities, corporates, established incubators) that supports innovation ecosystems in major cities.

• Focuses on regions with limited existing innovation and entrepreneurship infrastructure
• Aims to unlock grassroots innovation potential in aspirational districts and remote areas
• Works alongside AIM's broader Frontier Region Program, which has also driven ATL expansion into regions such as Jammu & Kashmir

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For Schools — Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL)

• Check Eligibility: Confirm the school has the required space, board affiliation, and student strength in grades 6–12.
• Visit the AIM Portal: Go to aim.gov.in and access the ATL application module during an active application window.
• Register the School: Create an account and enter the school's UDISE code and administrative details.
• Submit the Application: Complete the online application with infrastructure and commitment details, and submit for review.
• Grant Sanction & Setup: On approval, the grant is released for lab setup, followed by mandatory annual reporting and utilisation certificates.

For Institutions & Corporates — Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)

• Read the Official Guidelines: Download the "Guidelines for Setting up of Atal Incubation Centres" from the official AIM/NITI Aayog resources.
• Register on the AIC Portal: Sign up on the AIM AIC application portal using an institutional email address.
• Prepare the Proposal: Draft a detailed business plan and budget plan showing the built-up space, team structure, sector focus, and proposed revenue model.
• Submit & Await Shortlisting: Submit the application; shortlisted applicants are typically notified in phases.
• Sign the MoA / Set Up SPV: Selected applicants typically establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (Section 8 company) and sign a Memorandum of Association with AIM.
• Receive Grant in Tranches: Funds are released in tranches based on milestones, subject to annual progress reports and audited utilisation certificates.

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Applying for AIM programs — whether an ATL grant for a school, an AIC application for an institution, or ANIC/ARISE challenge participation for a startup — involves detailed proposals, compliance commitments, and structured documentation. Our advisory team supports applicants across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ludhiana, and Pan-India through this process:

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