Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission, Launch Date, Objectives

The Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission (ASIIM) was launched on September 30, 2020, by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is a groundbreaking initiative focusing innovation and entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste (SC) youth. This mission, implemented under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), seeks to transform Scheduled Caste youth into “job-givers” rather than being “job-seekers.” It offers significant opportunities to young innovators with technology-driven ideas, enabling them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission Objectives

The Objective of ASIIM is to nurture entrepreneurship among SC youth, with a special focus on Divyangs (persons with disabilities). The mission aspires to support 1,000 innovative business ideas by 2024 through collaborations with Technology Business Incubators (TBIs). 

Key Objectives of ASIIM include:

1. Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in SC youth.
2. Offering equity funding of up to ₹30 lakh over three years to develop startups into profitable commercial ventures.
3. Hand-holding, mentoring, and supporting SC entrepreneurs until their ideas reach the commercialisation stage.
4. Aligning with the government’s broader “Stand Up India” initiative to encourage entrepreneurship among marginalised communities.

Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission Implementation

ASIIM operates under the VCF-SC, a fund established in 2015 with an initial fund of ₹500 crore to provide finance assistance to SC entrepreneurs. The initiative leverages the resources and expertise of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) located in higher education institutions, management schools, and science and technology parks across the country.

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ASIIM Funding Support

Each selected startup under ASIIM is entitled to receive up to ₹30 lakh in equity assistance over a three-year incubation period. This funding covers essential expenses such as:

• Accommodation in TBIs.
• Procurement of hardware and software.
• Fellowship stipends for entrepreneurs.
• Intellectual property (IP) filing costs.
• Marketing and travel expenses.

Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission Eligibility Criteria

The program identifies and supports SC youth with innovative ideas through a transparent and systematic process. Eligibility includes:

• SC/Divyang students identified by TBIs supported by DST.
• Awardees of national competitions like the Smart India Hackathon.
• Startups focused on socio-economic development, as identified by TBIs.
• Enterprises supported by corporate CSR funds.

Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission Selection Process

The search for potential entrepreneurs is carried out through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), industries, and higher education institutions. To encourage participation, ASIIM employs widespread publicity via social media, television, and direct outreach in educational campuses. Selection involves two streams:

• Automatic selection of ideas already incubated by TBIs.
• Evaluation of other proposals based on guidelines of the VCF-SC.

Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission Benefits

ASIIM targets technology-oriented ideas that address pressing socio-economic challenges.

Equity funding reduces the financial burden on young entrepreneurs, enabling them to focus on scaling their ideas.Who is eligible for asiim scheme?

The mission emphasises inclusion by giving preference to Divyang youth.

By turning SC youth into job creators, ASIIM contributes to the country’s employment generation efforts.

ASIIM Significance

The Ambedkar Social Innovation Incubation Mission is a significant step toward social justice and empowerment. By encouraging SC youth to transition from traditional job roles to entrepreneurial ventures, the initiative addresses inequalities and promotes a culture of innovation in marginalised communities.

The mission aligns with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by equipping SC youth with the skills, resources, and networks necessary to grow in competitive markets.