AIM UNDP Community Innovator Fellowship
By Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog
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Quick Answer
A one-year intensive fellowship program by AIM, NITI Aayog and UNDP India, offering up to ₹2 lakh funding and incubation support to aspiring community innovators.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹2 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) program is a flagship initiative of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, implemented in collaboration with UNDP India. This intensive, one-year fellowship aims to nurture aspiring community innovators by facilitating knowledge building, providing essential infrastructure support, and offering financial assistance to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. Hosted at various Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) across India, the program focuses on empowering individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to develop indigenous solutions for local challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fellows gain access to curated content on SDGs and entrepreneurship through toolkits, workshops, and a digital learning platform. The program emphasizes practical application through mentorship, community immersion activities, and access to the host ACIC's infrastructure. It is designed to equip innovators with entrepreneurial and life skills, enabling them to build robust business models, develop prototypes, and prepare for investor pitching, ultimately fostering a vibrant ecosystem of grassroots innovation.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India's innovation and entrepreneurship initiative under NITI Aayog, set up in 2016. It does not run a single incubator or fund. It supports schools, institutions and companies to set up labs and incubators, and it runs the Atal…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹2 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Fellowship
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The Community Innovator Fellowship provides up to ₹2 lakh in milestone-based funding, directly supporting the development and validation of indigenous solutions. Fellows receive comprehensive incubation support, including access to the full infrastructure of their host Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC). The program features extensive mentorship from sector experts, curated workshops, and a digital learning platform focused on SDGs and entrepreneurship. Fellows benefit from community immersion for on-ground solution validation, networking opportunities, and dedicated support for legal, IP, and financial aspects of their venture. The fellowship culminates in investor pitching events and linkages to further grant or seed funding, and incubation opportunities.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 14 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the Community Innovator Fellowship is primarily managed by the host Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs). ACICs evaluate applicants based on their connection to the target community, the innovative potential of their startup idea, their interest in addressing local/global issues, and their entrepreneurial drive. The process typically involves submitting an application form with specific questions about the idea and views, followed by an interview round. ACICs may introduce additional screening rounds as deemed necessary to identify the most promising community innovators for their cohort.
Application Process
- 1
Contact ACIC
Reach out to your nearby Atal Community Innovation Centre to check for open applications.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mode of delivery for the fellowship?
The fellowship operates in a hybrid mode, combining online learning through a digital platform with offline interaction at the ACIC. Fellows must spend a minimum of 12 weeks physically at the ACIC.
Can I apply if I live more than 30 km from an ACIC?
Yes, fellows can be enrolled from outside the ACIC's region, provided they commit to completing certain community hours and ACIC hours.
What if I don't have a graduate degree yet?
While graduation is generally mandatory, exceptions can be made at the ACIC's discretion based on the merit of your idea and other parameters.
What level of English literacy is required?
Intermediate English proficiency is required, defined as being able to write a meaningful paragraph and understand main points of clear standard-language texts. Applicants below this level can be supported by a 'Buddy' and through training.
How is the funding disbursed?
Funding is milestone-based, with up to ₹2,00,000 provided per fellow upon successful achievement of predefined milestones.
What support is available for pitching and further funding?
The program includes regional and national investor pitching events, startup exhibitions, and linkages to the Youth Co:Lab showcase. Fellows receive assistance in preparing and submitting applications for external grant, seed funding, and incubation opportunities from government or private entities.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
