AIM SUMVAAD Boosts Startup Ecosystem in Central India

Atal Innovation Mission organized the Regional AIM SUMVAAD - Central India Edition in Indore to strengthen incubator networks and State-Centre collaboration. Representatives from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh participated alongside startup councils and ecosystem enablers. Deepak Bagla emphasized incubators as the backbone of the startup ecosystem, while Himanshu Rai highlighted the shift from a service to a science mindset in Indian startups. The event featured sessions on building sustainable entrepreneurship models and fostering innovation-driven economic growth.

Key Points: AIM SUMVAAD: Strengthening Incubators in Central India

  • Regional conclave held at Raja Ramanna Centre in Indore
  • Focus on strengthening incubator network and State-Centre collaboration
  • Representatives from MP, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh participated
  • Discussions on scaling state-led innovation and DeepTech growth
2 min read

AIM SUMVAAD focuses on strengthening incubator network, State-Centre collaboration in Central India

Atal Innovation Mission's regional conclave in Indore focuses on strengthening incubator networks and State-Centre collaboration for innovation-led growth in Central India.

"incubators form the backbone of a dynamic startup ecosystem by transforming ideas into impactful ventures - Deepak Bagla"

New Delhi, May 11

Atal Innovation Mission on Monday organised the Regional AIM SUMVAAD - Central India Edition at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology in Indore, bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, startups and incubators to strengthen State-Centre collaboration and build a stronger innovation ecosystem across the region.

The initiative aimed at deepening engagement between governments, startups, incubators and industry leaders while promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation-led growth through collaborative partnerships.

Representatives from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh participated in the regional conclave alongside startup councils, CSR partners, incubators and ecosystem enablers.

The event featured discussions on strengthening incubation ecosystems, scaling state-led innovation initiatives and improving coordination between governments, academia, industry and startup ecosystems.

The sessions focused on enabling innovation-driven economic growth and creating opportunities for startups in emerging sectors.

Speaking at the event, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said incubators form the backbone of a dynamic startup ecosystem by transforming ideas into impactful ventures.

He said Atal Innovation Mission, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and DPIIT, is working towards strengthening the startup ecosystem through improved infrastructure, mentorship, funding access and collaborative initiatives such as AIM SUMVAAD.

Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore said India's startup ecosystem is moving from a service mindset to a science mindset, adding that DeepTech innovation would require patient capital and a stronger focus on long-term research rather than quick returns.

Viraj Bhanage, Director - Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) and Chairman - AIC π-Hub, highlighted the role of incubators in supporting the next generation of startups and said initiatives like AIM SUMVAAD help strengthen ties between entrepreneurs, institutions and ecosystem enablers.

Dr. Abha Rishi, Executive Head - Madhya Pradesh Startup Centre, said incubators are central to building a sustainable innovation ecosystem and driving entrepreneurship across the country.

During the conclave, a special session on building effective people and culture in incubation centres focused on creating sustainable entrepreneurship models capable of adapting to changing market conditions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
My cousin runs a small startup in Bhopal and the lack of access to patient capital is real. Himanshu Rai's point about moving from service to science mindset is spot on - we need our IITs and IIMs to actively mentor DeepTech ideas. Rahul Gandhi's 'Mohabbat ki Dukaan' has nothing on this kind of practical innovation support! 😅
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Vikram M
Such initiatives are crucial for tier-2 cities. As someone from Madhya Pradesh, I've seen how startups in Delhi and Bangalore get all the limelight while deserving innovators here struggle for mentorship. The focus on incubator networks and state-centre collaboration is practical. But I hope they also address regulatory hurdles - single window clearance would help a lot.
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Ananya R
Absolutely loved the emphasis on building 'people and culture' in incubation centres. Too often incubators become glorified real estate rentals. We need empathetic mentors who understand grassroots challenges, especially for women entrepreneurs in smaller towns. Atal Innovation Mission is doing solid work in democratising innovation.
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Rohit P
Let's be honest - India has too many conclaves and not enough follow-through. I've seen at least 3 similar events in Rajasthan alone. The real test will be: how many startups actually get funded or mentored after this? Still, any step is better than no step. Let's see what comes of the Madhya Pradesh Startup Centre's plans.
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Siddharth J
Great initiative! What excites me is the involvement of RRCAT and IIM Indore - pairing deep science with business acumen is exactly what India needs. But we must ensure these collaborations don't become Delhi-centric. The real innovation

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