The Indian government has recently launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge (ANIC) Program. It’s a national initiative designed to foster research and innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Indian startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Objectives of the ANIC Program
Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenge (ANIC) Program, the aim is to proactively collaborate with Ministries and industries to catalyse research and innovation. The program seeks to facilitate innovative solutions for sectoral challenges and ensure a steady stream of inventive products and solutions. Central Government Ministries/Departments are expected to be the first buyers.
Administration Details
The ANIC program will be conducted under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), an initiative by the NITI Aayog. It will be led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and four ministries: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Key Features
The program aims to support techno-preneurs due to their potential to drive India forward. 15 sector-specific challenges will be chosen, with three challenges assigned to each ministry. Startups can receive up to Rs. 50 lakh for a period of 9 to 12 months to develop a minimum usable prototype.
Gandhian Challenge Method
The Gandhian Challenge method, launched on the 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, provides a platform for children across India to solve sectoral problems innovatively for a sustainable future. It will mainly focus on Art & Innovation and Science, Technology & Innovation.
Alignment with Mandates
This program aligns with the mandates of “Make in India”, “Startup India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
ISRO’s Role
ISRO, which has supported MSMEs extensively and established R&D labs across India, will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Labs, three in each state and UTs to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. ISRO will focus on three main areas: Propulsion, Geo-spatial Information, and AI and Robotics.
Importance of MSMEs for Indian Economy
MSMEs are integral to the Indian economy because of their contribution to employment generation, GDP, exports and inclusive growth. MSMEs also promote financial inclusion and create opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
AIM is the Indian government’s primary initiative to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It develops new programs and policies to encourage innovation in different sectors of the economy and provides a platform for collaboration among stakeholders. Its major initiatives include Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers, Atal New India Challenges, Mentor India Campaign, Atal Community Innovation Center, and Atal Research & Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE).