Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC)
Funds community innovation hubs in tier two and three towns and underserved regions across India.
Atal Community Innovation Centres extend AIM’s incubator model into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, tribal areas, hilly districts, and coastal regions. The programme sits under Atal Innovation Mission and is built around local partners rather than stand-alone national calls. Each centre can receive up to INR 2.5 crore over five years, with a 1:1 partner match. Indian nonprofits, universities, and research institutions can host the platform, while the main infrastructure call is currently between cycles. The existing footprint includes 35 selected centres and 14 already operational across 15 states and Union Territories. The strongest proposals are not abstract innovation plans; they show a local institution, matching funds, and a concrete plan for community access, maker space use, and problem discovery. This route suits organisations that can keep the centre alive after the grant lands and can demonstrate trust in the communities they want to serve. The best cases usually bring local partners who can keep programming active year after year.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Biennial.