The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, celebrated a significant milestone on 22nd September 2025 with the graduation of its fifth cohort of Community Innovator Fellows (CIFs). This event marked a proud achievement for AIM, as it now counts 100 Community Innovator Fellows who have been nurtured and supported through its programs.
These fellows represent India’s grassroots innovators who are committed to driving transformative change in underserved communities, fostering solutions to pressing societal challenges, and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Community Innovator Fellows: Catalysts of Change
The Community Innovator Fellows program is one of the flagship initiatives under AIM’s Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs). It is designed to empower local entrepreneurs and innovators in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, towns, and rural areas.
By providing critical mentorship, funding support, and access to innovation ecosystems, the program accelerates the journey of grassroots entrepreneurs. It equips them with the resources needed to create impactful solutions in healthcare, education, agriculture, financial services, and sustainable development.
This initiative reinforces AIM’s vision of nurturing self-reliant innovators who can bring scalable, community-driven solutions that align with India’s developmental priorities.
Key Highlights of the Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony was marked by the presence of dignitaries, innovators, and mentors.
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Dr. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, delivered the keynote address
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He highlighted the pivotal role of ACICs as transformative ecosystems, enabling innovators to convert ideas into real-world solutions
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Dr. Bagla lauded the CIF program for producing role models in local communities who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and social impact
In his words:
“The Community Innovator Fellows are the torchbearers of change. Their innovations are not just solutions; they are a testament to the power of grassroots ingenuity in shaping a self-reliant and prosperous India.”
Inspiring Stories of Grassroots Innovation
The event was enriched with testimonials and reflections from graduating fellows who shared their entrepreneurial journeys. Their stories highlighted how the program gave them access to mentorship, networks, and opportunities that transformed their ideas into sustainable ventures.
From developing affordable health solutions for rural areas to introducing agriculture-based innovations for small farmers, the CIFs showcased the immense potential of grassroots innovation in shaping India’s inclusive growth.
AIM’s Commitment to Viksit Bharat
Through initiatives like ACICs and CIFs, the Atal Innovation Mission continues to strengthen India’s innovation landscape. The graduation of the fifth cohort is not just a ceremonial milestone—it is a reflection of AIM’s unwavering commitment to promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship, empowering local innovators in underserved regions, and driving sustainable and inclusive development.
As AIM nurtures more innovators, it paves the way for a self-reliant, progressive, and innovation-driven India, bringing the nation closer to its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
About Atal Innovation Mission
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative by NITI Aayog dedicated to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across India. AIM establishes innovation labs, incubation centers, and fellowship programs to create an ecosystem that encourages problem-solving and sustainable growth at all levels of society.
