Central Scheme·All India·Currently closed

Atal Incubation Centres (AIC)

AIM funds incubators (₹10 Cr over 5 yrs). Founder play: partner with one of 50+ AICs. Application portal currently closed (early 2026).

Quick facts

Ministry / Agency: NITI Aayog
Funding: Up to ₹10 Cr
Stage: Any stage
Sector: Any sector
Equity dilution: none
DPIIT recognition required: No
NRI / OCI eligibility: Eligible if the entity is Indian-incorporated; the founder's NRI / OCI status is treated as Indian for this scheme.

Who is eligible

Founder access via partnership with one of 50+ AICs

How to apply

AIM AIC is administered by NITI Aayog. Applications are submitted through the official portal — there are no application fees and you do not need to go through third-party intermediaries.

Apply on the official portal

Opens aim.gov.in in a new tab. StartupIndi is not affiliated with this scheme or its administering body.

Other schemes that often pair with AIM AIC or apply to a similar profile.

ASPIRE — Innovation, Rural Industries & Entrepreneurship

Funds Livelihood and Tech Business Incubators. Founder play: get hand-holding via an ASPIRE-funded incubator for rural/agri-rural enterprise.

Funding: ₹75 L – ₹1 CrStage: ideation, prototype

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

Up to ₹20 L grant for PoC/prototype + up to ₹50 L convertible/debt for market entry. Apply to up to 3 incubators. ₹605+ Cr deployed to 3,400+ startups.

Funding: ₹20 L – ₹70 LStage: ideation, prototype

SAMRIDH — MeitY Startup Accelerator

Up to ₹40 L matching investment via accelerator. ~300 startups targeted; 373 supported as of Feb 2026.

Funding: ₹20 L – ₹40 LStage: mvp, early-revenue

SFURTI — Scheme for Regeneration of Traditional Industries

Cluster-based programme for traditional artisans. Funds common facility centres, market linkages, design support, capacity building. Strong fit for traditional manufacturing and handicrafts founders.

Funding: Up to ₹8 CrStage: ideation, mvp

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for AIM AIC?+

Founder access via partnership with one of 50+ AICs

What is the funding amount under AIM AIC?+

Up to ₹10 Cr. ₹10 Cr to incubator over 5 yrs

Can NRI or OCI founders apply for AIM AIC?+

Eligible if the entity is Indian-incorporated; the founder's NRI / OCI status is treated as Indian for this scheme.

Does AIM AIC require DPIIT recognition?+

No — DPIIT recognition is not required for AIM AIC.

How do I apply for AIM AIC?+

Apply through the official portal at aim.gov.in. The scheme is administered by NITI Aayog.

Want to see what else you qualify for?

Take the 60-second finder. Get a ranked list of schemes matched to your profile.

Start the Finder