Tripura Launches First State Innovation Mission Under AIM 2.0

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog has launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura, marking a major step towards embedding innovation and entrepreneurship into the State’s long-term development strategy. The initiative falls under AIM 2.0 and operates within NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission (SSM), aiming to build robust and context-specific innovation ecosystems aligned with national priorities.
The launch event was held at the Hapania International Exhibition Centre in Agartala in the presence of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, and NITI Aayog Member Dr V.K. Saraswat.

Institutional Framework and T-NEST Launch

Under the SIM framework, the mission will be institutionalised through the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT). A dedicated incubation facility named T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups) has been inaugurated to promote startups and encourage “Make from Tripura” solutions.

Innovation Centres will be established across all eight districts, linked to T-NEST, to promote entrepreneurship among women and tribal communities, ensuring inclusive regional participation.

District Innovator Fellowship and AI Vision

Tripura has also launched one of India’s first District Innovator Fellowships (DIF) to identify and nurture grassroots innovators with structured lifecycle support.

The State announced plans to introduce a comprehensive AI Policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. An AI City is proposed in Agartala with support from global technology partners, positioning Tripura as a future-ready hub for AI-driven governance and innovation.

Strengthening State-Led Innovation Ecosystems

Through SIM, AIM will collaborate closely with the Tripura government to design and implement a long-term innovation strategy. The mission focuses on capacity building, policy support, partnerships, peer learning and programmatic interventions across the innovation lifecycle.

The initiative also seeks to expand innovation education from school level onwards and improve access to mentorship, funding and infrastructure for startups beyond conventional risk thresholds.

Important Facts for Exams

• Atal Innovation Mission operates under NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
• AIM 2.0 includes the State Support Mission for building State-level ecosystems.
• District Innovator Fellowship aims to nurture grassroots innovators.
• NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.

Aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

The launch of SIM in Tripura reflects a broader push to make States active drivers of innovation-led growth. By strengthening collaboration among government, academia, industry and civil society, the mission seeks to ensure balanced and inclusive development.

The initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning innovation as a central pillar of India’s long-term economic transformation.