The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a PMO initiative of the Centre, conceived the Niti Aayog, to create a world class innovation support and entrepreneurial system launched an initiative ARISE open innovative challenge which is new national initiative to promote research & innovation and increase competitiveness of Indian startups and small enterprises (MSMEs). Union Minister Nitin Gadakari who participated in the event and expressed hope that this initiative will lead MSMEs to a new path in reducing imports and creating more demand for exports towards fulfilling the Atma nirbhar bharat vision in industry.

In a bid to provide robust support to innovators and entrepreneurs in India, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), launched the ANIC- ARISE program to stimulate advance research ideas and create viable prototypes which can be employable in MSME sector. ARISE aimed at new innovation challenges was launched with the coming together for 5 ministeries , Ministry of urban and Housing, Ministry of defence, Ministry of food processing industries, ISRO, and ministry of Health and family welfare . The program has set 15 challenges with 3 in each ministry related specific need, And the winners will be given a grant of upto Rs 50 lakh in 3 tranche. Union minister Nitin Gadkari speaking on the ocassion expressed hope that all hurdles coming in way of getting finances and accessing research material will be removed. He said the government is committed to give support and encouragement to promote new technology, also help support employement generation by such initiatives so that MSMEs enhance exports and drive India towards Atmanirbhar bharat.

The ARISE Atal New India Challenge will help to break new ground and this will be a path-breaking approach towards driving India in the field of innovation and R&D the details for challenges in different areas will be available on the portal . Dos Secretary and Chairman of ISRO Dr K Sivan said unlcoking the space sector for Private participation has set a new vision and oppurtunities for MSMEs, He said ISRO has identified 3 new thrust areas in the challenges which are specific to propulsion areas, artificial intelligence, and robotics in various space applications. He announced a start up workshop on Sept to bring together the investors and sellers to deliberate on this . Dr Sivan announced ISRO will adopt 100 Atal tinkering labs 3 from each state who get support in related projects.

Niti Ayog Vice president Rajiv Kumar said this the first time such an initiative has been with coming togther of MSMES and startups in 5 ministeries. He said ANIC ARISE is a brilliant collaboration opportunity, can act as a foundation to Atmanirbhar vision. Niti AYog CEO Amitabh Kant said this Challenge will help to break new ground and this will be a path-breaking approach towards driving India in the field of innovation and R&D.

Prof K. Vijay Raghavan Principal scientific advisor, said India during the pandemic has managed to reboot itself & take care of the disruption of the supply chain. The ARISE Atal New India Challenge will provide an opportunity to make innovative products at scale, which can be procured directly by the Government .

The details to particpate and eligibility criteria for the open innovative challenge will be available on the portal of www.aim.gov.in.