NewzVille Desk
Minister of Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the Annual Atal Innovation Incubator Conclave “AIM SUMVAAD” in New Delhi on Tuesday. The conclave is the flagship annual platform of the Atal Innovation Mission, bringing together over 150 Atal Incubation Centres and Atal Community Innovation Centres from across the country, along with policymakers, industry leaders, CSR heads, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening India’s innovation and incubation landscape.
The Minister said that the Union Budget 2026–27 provides a strong push to India’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with special emphasis on incubation, innovation, and women-led economic participation.
He said the introduction of new enabling frameworks for startups, biomanufacturing and the concept of Self-Help Entrepreneurs among women reflects the government’s evolving approach towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on the evolution of India’s innovation ecosystem, the Minister said the idea of structured innovation received decisive political support enabling large-scale initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs and startup-focused policy interventions.
He said nearly 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs are now operational, ensuring widespread access to innovation infrastructure across districts, including smaller towns and rural regions.
He added that the growing participation of schools and non-government stakeholders reflects a deep-rooted change in mindset towards innovation.
The inaugural session was attended by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog; Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India; and Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, among others.
