Latest news with #AtalInnovationMission
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
National seminar begins at GGU charts roadmap
Rajamahendravaram: A two-day National Seminar on 'Leveraging Research and Innovation for Viksit Bharat@2047' began at the Godavari Global University (GGU), with participation from scientists, academicians, industry leaders, and students from across India. The event, held in collaboration with the Central and State governments, aims at aligning India's education and innovation ecosystem with the national vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Member of NITI Aayog Padma Bhushan Dr VK Saraswat inaugurated the seminar and delivered the keynote address. He called for collective efforts from educational institutions and entrepreneurs to advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Dr Saraswat explained major government initiatives such as PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and the National Innovation and Startup Policy, all geared toward empowering youth and promoting innovation. GGU Chancellor KVV Satyanarayana Raju expressed optimism about India's developmental trajectory, while Pro-Chancellor K Sasi Kiran Varma described Atmanirbhar Bharat as the mission and Viksit Bharat as the ultimate vision. AICTE Vice-Chairman Dr Abhay Jere stressed the need for strong research ecosystems in higher education institutions. AMTZ CEO Dr Jitendra Kumar Sharma underscored the importance of observation and curiosity in driving innovation. The seminar features sessions on emerging technologies, sustainability, and the commercialisation of research. It will conclude tomorrow with thematic discussions on achieving the Viksit Bharat vision.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Govt-funded incubation centre for startups inaugurated at IIM
The Atal Incubation Centre – NITIE Incubation Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIC-NIFIE) was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai by Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh (independent charge) Science and Technology and Earth Sciences on Tuesday. Established under the Atal Innovation Mission, AIC–NIFIE aims to be a transformative platform to nurture innovation and support early-stage startups. The AIC-NIFIE will provide support for incubation, mentorship, industry partnerships, and access to cutting-edge research and technology for students at IIM Mumbai as well as outsiders with potential start-up ideas. While open to all, the incubation centre will give IIM Mumbai students and alumni priority, without compromising on merit-based selection. Singh highlighted the importance of an integrated approach for such support. 'There are myths about startups as a concept that it has to be by youngsters, especially those from the field of technology. Whereas anybody with a potential idea can work towards creating a startup.' Emphasising the importance of academic institutions like IIM Mumbai in bridging policy, research, and enterprise, he said, 'Innovation is the backbone of a developed India. Centres like AIC–NIFIE will be instrumental in translating India's demographic dividend into tangible economic growth.' Formed under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, AIC–NIFIE operates as a not-for-profit initiative, with funding support from NITI Aayog and the Government of India. Professor Manoj K Tiwari, director at IIM Mumbai, said, 'Through the first advertisement inviting applications from potential startups, already ten are under the incubation centre. Applicants come from diverse backgrounds, including non-IIM Mumbai students. Soon a new advertisement will be issued to invite more applications.'
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Amitabh Kant resigns as G-20 Sherpa, thanks PM Modi for the opportunities
Amitabh Kant, who managed diverse assignments during his 45 years in government service, has resigned as the G-20 Sherpa. Mr. Kant, a retired 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, was appointed as India's G-20 Sherpa in July 2022, months before India assumed the G-20 Presidency. In a LinkedIn post titled 'My New Journey', Mr. Kant said, 'After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life. I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India for accepting my resignation as G-20 Sherpa and for having given me the opportunity to drive a range of developmental initiatives and contribute to the growth, development, and progress of India.' Mr. Kant, who was the face behind India's G-20 preparations, said leading multilateral negotiations as the country's Sherpa has been one of the most significant milestones in his career. In 2023, Mr. Kant said India executed one of the most inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive G-20 presidencies ever seen in the history of the forum. 'We achieved unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, despite significant geopolitical challenges, managing to refocus the world's attention on critical developmental priorities such as digital public infrastructure, multilateral financial reform, climate finance, and women-led development,' he said. He said India held G-20 meetings across every State and Union Territory, which contributed significantly to cooperative federalism by beautifying and upgrading cities, engaging local artists and craftsmen, and promoting local cuisines. 'We also successfully expanded the G-20's scope to include the African Union, fulfilling India's promise and commitment to global inclusivity and collaboration with the Global South,' he said. Earlier, as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016-2022, Mr. Kant said he had the privilege of being part of the transformative Aspirational Districts Programme, which uplifted 115 of India's most backward districts by improving socio-economic indicators and creating opportunities for millions of our citizens. 'During those 6+ years, NITI played a key role in pushing digital public infrastructure through policy, and helped lay the foundational groundwork for India's digital revolution,' he said, adding that through the production-linked incentive schemes to boost manufacturing and accelerate industrial growth, the Green Hydrogen Mission, advanced chemistry cells, and the Atal Innovation Mission, the Aayog played a key role in positioning India as a global leader in climate action, cutting-edge innovation, and sustainable enterprise. Mr. Kant said his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, now called the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, was dedicated to reform and liberalisation, with focus on ease of doing business, and the Make in India and Startup India initiatives, which continue to act as a framework for India's thriving ecosystem of manufacturing. Throughout his career, Mr. Kant said he has been guided by a strong sense of service to a place and its people. 'Kerala was the first home to my IAS career, and I drew deeply from its communities — initiating the 'God's Own Country' campaign, supporting the expansion of Calicut Airport, and working closely with the fishermen and women of Kerala,' the former NITI Aayog CEO said. Mr. Kant said he took everything he learnt and poured it into policies at the Centre — 'Incredible India' was born during his time as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism because he saw what shining a light on India's diversity can do for the economy, ecology, and essence of a place. 'India has, and will always be, Incredible. In a small way, I have contributed to helping the world recognise that,' he said. Mr. Kant also said he is incredibly grateful to Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S. Jaishankar for their inspiration, guidance, and trust. 'I now look forward to contributing to India's transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by facilitating and supporting free enterprise, startups, think tanks, and academic institutions,' he said.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant steps down from government service
India's G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, 69, on Monday announced he has stepped down from government service, ending a 45-year-long career, and said he will engage with startups, think tanks, and academic institutions in a personal capacity. 'My New Journey: After 45 years of dedicated government service, I have made the decision to embrace new opportunities and move forward in life,' Kant wrote on X. 'I am incredibly thankful to the Prime Minister of India [Narendra Modi] for accepting my resignation as G20 Sherpa and for having given me the opportunity to drive a range of developmental initiatives and contribute to the growth, development, and progress of India. I am grateful to all my colleagues, peers and friends for their patience, understanding, and support.' On LinkedIn, Kant wrote he has decided to embrace new opportunities and begin a new chapter. He referred to the trust Modi placed in him to drive developmental initiatives that shaped India's growth trajectory. Kant thanked finance and external affairs ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, and PK Mishra, the Prime Minister's principal secretary, for their guidance and support. 'I now look forward to India's transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by supporting free enterprise, Startups, think tanks and academic institutions.' Kant was named G20 Sherpa in July 2022 and held the position during India's presidency of the grouping in 2023. 'Leading India's G20 Presidency in 2023 was a significant milestone in my career. Despite complex global challenges, we achieved unanimous consensus on the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, and refocused attention on key developmental issues. We also successfully ensured the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, fulfilling India's commitment to global equity and the voice of the Global South,' said Kant, who began his career in 1980 as a Kerala cadre Indian Administrative Service officer. Kant was NITI Aayog's longest-serving CEO from February 2016 to June 2022. He oversaw the Aspirational Districts Programme, the Atal Innovation Mission, and policy efforts on digital infrastructure, green hydrogen, and advanced chemistry cells. 'We helped lay the foundations for India's digital public infrastructure and pushed policy reforms across sectors—ranging from manufacturing through PLI schemes to innovation through the Atal Innovation Mission and sustainability through the Green Hydrogen Mission and Advanced Chemistry Cells,' he said. Kant served as department for industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) secretary from 2014 to 2016, and tourism ministry joint secretary from 2001 to 2007. 'We initiated the 'Incredible India' campaign—born from the belief that travel & tourism has the best multiplier impact on jobs and growth,' he said. Kant reflected on the early years of his career and wrote his journey began in Kerala, where he learned the value of grassroots development. 'From the 'God's Own Country' campaign to rejuvenating Calicut city by reviving Mananchaira Maidan, removing vast encroachments, expanding Calicut Airport and working closely with fishing community — these experiences shaped my career.' He highlighted initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and Startup India during his tenure at DIPP and added it helped India improve by 79 ranks in the World Bank's ease of doing business rankings. Kant said India has always been, and will always be, Incredible. 'Humbled to have played a small role. Thank you for being part of this journey.' He shared a collage of images from his government service, including with Modi, and the Dalai Lama.
Mint
16-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Amitabh Kant steps down as G20 Sherpa, to shift focus to private sector and policy innovation
New Delhi: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who was instrumental in forging consensus among world leaders during India's G20 presidency amid sharp geopolitical rifts, has stepped down from the role, signalling a move to the private sector. In a LinkedIn post, Kant said that after 45 years in government service, he was embracing new opportunities outside the public sector. 'I now look forward to India's transformational journey towards Viksit Bharat by supporting free enterprise, start-ups, think tanks and academic institutions,' he wrote. He told Mint that he would share details of his next steps in due course. Kant, one of India's most visible and articulate bureaucrats, played a central role in shaping national initiatives ranging from infrastructure development to the 'Make in India' push and the turnaround of over 100 backward districts through the Aspirational Districts Programme. Previously, as chief executive of federal policy think tank NITI Aayog and later as G20 Sherpa, Kant articulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision on development, innovation, and sustainability. He was deeply involved in policies focused on low-carbon growth, digital infrastructure, and industrial reform. Kant expressed gratitude to Modi for entrusting him with key developmental roles that 'shaped India's growth trajectory.' India's G20 presidency, he said, was a major milestone in his career—'people-centric and inclusive,' with meetings held across all states and union territories. This, he noted, 'strengthened cooperative federalism, celebrated local culture, and upgraded infrastructure nationwide.' He also highlighted India's role in bringing the African Union into the G20 as a permanent member, calling it a 'fulfilment of our commitment to global equity and the voice of the Global South.' At NITI Aayog, Kant championed the creation of India's digital public infrastructure and oversaw policy reforms across sectors—from manufacturing and innovation to sustainability. These included the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, the Atal Innovation Mission, the green hydrogen push, and support for advanced chemistry cell technology. Kant said NITI Aayog's Aspirational Districts Programme transformed the lives of citizens in 115 of India's most underdeveloped districts. 'We helped lay the foundations for India's digital public infrastructure and pushed policy reforms across sectors—ranging from manufacturing through production linked incentive schemes to innovation through the Atal innovation mission and sustainability through the green hydrogen mission and advanced chemistry cells. These efforts positioned India as a leader in innovation and climate action,' Kant said. Earlier, as secretary of the Department for Industrial Policy and Promotion (now DPIIT), Kant led reforms that dramatically improved India's ease of doing business and helped elevate the country by 79 ranks in the World Bank's global rankings. He was also instrumental in shaping India's tourism branding, helping conceptualize Kerala's 'God's Own Country' campaign and the Centre's 'Incredible India' initiative.
