ACIC–PIMS Forum
ATAL COMMUNITY INNOVATION CENTRE at Padmashree Institute of Management & Sciences Forum, Bengaluru
Empowering Grassroots Innovation. Building Sustainable Enterprises. Transforming Communities.
Background & Rationale
India's rural and semi-urban communities are rich in traditional knowledge, skills, and grassroots innovations. However, these communities face serious challenges in converting ideas into viable enterprises due to lack of infrastructure, technical guidance, funding access, and market connectivity.
The Atal Community Innovation Centre at PIMS (ACIC–PIMS) has been established under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, to bridge this gap by creating a localized innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem focused on unserved and underserved communities.
The Centre aims to foster community-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood development, particularly among students, women, farmers, artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural entrepreneurs.
Through incubation support, skill development, mentoring, and access to technology, ACIC–PIMS Forum acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth and grassroots innovation.
About ACIC–PIMS Forum
The Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) at PIMS is designed to identify, support, and scale community-centric innovations that address real-world socio-economic challenges.
Rooted in the academic strength and social outreach of PIMS Forum, the centre bridges the gap between traditional knowledge, modern technology, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Innovation
Community
Growth
Impact
Vision & Mission
Vision
Rooted in the academic strength and social outreach of PIMS Forum, the centre bridges the gap between traditional knowledge, modern technology, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Mission
To identify, incubate, and scale community-based innovations by providing technical, financial, and market-linked support, especially in rural, semi-urban, and economically marginalized regions.
- Promote innovation-led entrepreneurship at the community level
- Support early-stage ideas with incubation and mentoring
- Enable market access and financial linkages
- Encourage women and youth entrepreneurship
- Strengthen rural and semi-urban innovation networks
Objectives
Identify and nurture grassroots innovations
Support student, community, and SHG-led enterprises
Promote sustainable and inclusive economic development
Facilitate technology adoption and value addition
Provide structured incubation, mentoring, and capacity building
Encourage local solutions for local problems
Focus Areas / Domains
Silk Industry
Channapatna eco-friendly toy industry
Milk and dairy cooperatives
Nurseries and horticulture
IT & Management system
Millets-based food, nutrition & nutraceuticals
Other livelihood-based rural enterprises such as:
- Food Processing & Value Addition
- Handicrafts, Handlooms & Artisanal Products
- Women-led Enterprises
- Millets & Nutritional Enterprises
- Sustainable & Green Technologies
- Rural & Community-based Startups
Programs & Activities
Incubation Support
- Idea validation & business modelling
- Prototype and product development
- Legal, IPR & compliance support
- Market access & go-to-market strategies
Capacity Building
- Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs)
- Skill development workshops
- Design thinking & innovation bootcamps
- Financial literacy & digital enablement
Mentorship & Networking
- Industry & academic mentors
- Startup and investor interactions
- Exposure visits & demo days
Community Engagement
- SHG and rural entrepreneur onboarding
- Awareness programs & innovation challenges
- Livelihood enhancement initiatives
Infrastructure & Facilities
Incubation & co-working spaces
Training & seminar halls
Prototype and demonstration support
Digital & knowledge resources
Access to institutional and industry networks
Governance & Management
Governing Council
Advisory & Mentor Committee
Centre Head & Incubation Team
Domain experts and industry partners
This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with AIM–NITI Aayog objectives.
Partners & Collaborations
Government agencies
Industry partners
Financial institutions
Academic & research bodies
NGOs and community organizations
Who Can Apply
- Students & young innovators
- Women entrepreneurs & SHGs
- Farmers & rural entrepreneurs
- Artisans & producer groups
- Early-stage startups & social enterprises
