Aiming new research and de-novo strategies in MSME sector, Atal innovation mission (AIM), NITI aayog has declared open the much sought after programme, Atmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal new India Challenges scheme.
Initiative is steered by Indian Space research organisation (ISRO) with interdigitating involvement of four top notch ministries including MoFPI, MoHFW, MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) and ministry of defence. Clubbed together all of above will serve to sort sectoral issues.
Speaking at the virtual launch of the, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari said, “MSMEs are the growth engine of the country and there are a lot of expectations from them. I am sure this initiative will help identify and promote innovations necessary for boosting this sector.”
Reiterating PM’s Atmanirbhar Bharat’s vision he stated “Science should help solve socio-economic problems and scientific research should be extended from the labs to the land.”
In concordance with the ministers of the several ministries, the Niti Aayog VC, Dr Rajiv Kumar, said, the initiative will help promote technopreneurs who deserve to be supported because of their immense potential of taking India forward.
“This is a historical day as crucial personalities from the science and technology sector have collaborated with us for boosting the MSME sector,” he added further.
Under the scheme of ARISE-ANIC, one with better and innovative plot can procure fund of Rs. 50 Lakh and Government will aid for the speedy Development of the produce.
“Other than ISRO, which is a great promoter of technology, Indian departments and big companies never encourage and promote new startups that have done unique work. For ARISE-ANIC’s success, the government must become the first buyer. I am sure AIM will be able to break new ground with these challenges, which will lead to the creation of new Indian products.” Amitabh Kant, CEO,NITI Aayog, made a statement.
Principal Scientific advisor, Vinay Raghvan, thrusted upon the use of science and technology in product development and talked about the importance of opportunity in setting up a firm.
“Government policies have changed dramatically over the years to allow this to happen.
Now it needs to permeate across state governments’ procurement mechanism and Indian-made products given a chance to go to market. I assure our fullest support to ARISE on the scientific domain,” he added.
In a statement, ISRO Chairman, Dr. K Sivan highlighted benefits of Leveraging science, “ISRO has extensively supported the MSME sector. I am sure that there are a number of startups and MSMEs that require handholding to transform their ideas into viable products and with this initiative, we look forward to achieve this goal.”
AIM Mission director, R Raman added that MSME sector is a dynamic sector and they are pertinent to ameliorate and strengthen the initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“The 15 Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE challenges are a pioneering initiative to stimulate make-in-India innovations in the associated MSME startups’ sector and a unique opportunity to make advanced research and development ideas market viable, and field deployable MSME products that can be procured by the government,” concluded Ramanan.