New Delhi : Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog successfully 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, incubators, and the broader innovation ecosystem. The initiative was aimed at strengthening Centre-State collaboration, building a stronger incubator network across the region, and accelerating innovation-led entrepreneurship through deeper engagement among ecosystem partners.
The regional conclave witnessed participation from representatives of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, along with startup councils, incubators, corporate leaders, CSR partners, investors, and innovation enablers. The discussions focused on strengthening incubation ecosystems, scaling state-led innovation initiatives, and enhancing collaboration between governments, academia, industry, and startups to support innovation-driven economic growth and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, emphasized the critical role played by incubators in transforming innovative ideas into impactful ventures. He stated that AIM, in collaboration with institutions such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and DPIIT, is actively strengthening India’s startup ecosystem through improved infrastructure, mentorship support, funding access, and collaborative initiatives like AIM SUMVAAD. According to him, such efforts are helping drive innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and contribute towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
During the conclave, Himanshu Rai, Director of Indian Institute of Management Indore, highlighted that India’s startup ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, moving “from a service mindset to a science mindset.” He noted that for DeepTech innovation to flourish, the ecosystem must encourage patient capital and prioritise long-term research-driven growth over short-term returns.
Viraj Bhanage, Director of Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology and Chairman of AIC π-Hub, underlined the role of incubators in nurturing and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. He stated that AIM SUMVAAD provides a valuable platform for strengthening ties between startups, institutions, and ecosystem enablers while promoting a collaborative environment that can unlock new opportunities for innovation, industry, and youth-led entrepreneurship.
Emphasising the strategic importance of incubation centres, Abha Rishi, Executive Head of the Madhya Pradesh Startup Centre, described incubators as the “beating heart” of the startup ecosystem and stressed the need to build a stronger and more sustainable innovation landscape across the country.
The event also featured a special session on “Building Effective People and Culture in Incubation Centres,” led by growth expert and mentor Manish Verma, which focused on strengthening organisational culture and people management within incubators to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems capable of adapting to evolving market conditions.
Speaking on the evolution of India’s incubation ecosystem, Sandeep Gupta, Director at CFA Institute India, stressed the importance of transitioning incubation centres “from grants to growth” by building financially sustainable and professionally managed models for long-term success.
One of the major highlights of the conclave was the launch of the state chapters of incubators in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan through the formation of the Madhya Pradesh Incubation Consortium and the Thar Incubation Alliance, respectively. These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional innovation networks and enhance support systems for startups and entrepreneurs across the states.
The Regional AIM SUMVAAD served as an important platform for policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration, reaffirming AIM’s commitment to strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through localised innovation initiatives and national partnerships. Several dignitaries and ecosystem leaders, including representatives from DST, startup missions, incubators, and industry bodies, also participated in the conclave and contributed to discussions on the future of India’s innovation-driven growth.