Ideas over degrees! IIM Mumbai's new Govt-backed startup incubator is now open to ALL

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai has launched the Atal Incubation Centre, NITIE Incubation Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIC–NIFIE), inaugurated on Tuesday by India's Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. The incubator will support early-stage start-ups with mentorship, industry ties, research access, and workspace, open to all.

Established under the Atal Innovation Mission, AIC-NIFIE is a not-for-profit initiative backed by NITI Aayog and the Government of India, aimed at turning potential ideas into powerful ventures. The centre will offer incubation, mentorship, industry connections, and access to cutting-edge research, open to all, but with priority for IIM Mumbai students and alumni.

Singh emphasised that start ups aren’t just for the young or tech-savvy; anyone with a promising idea, even homemakers or retirees, can apply. “Innovation is the backbone of a developed India”, he said, calling for stronger synergy between government, academia, and industry.

So far, 14 start-ups have been incubated on campus, with six already occupying dedicated space. More applications are set to be invited soon, welcoming India's next wave of bold, homegrown entrepreneurs.