ACIC–PIMS Forum

ACIC–PIMS Forum

Atal Community Innovation Centre at Padmashree Institute of Management & Sciences Forum, Bengaluru

Empowering Grassroots Innovators | Enabling Sustainable Livelihoods | Building an Innovation Ecosystem

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.

 

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ACIC–PIMS Forum is a flagship initiative established at Padmashree Institute of Management & Sciences, Bengaluru, under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India.

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.

 

 

 

Vision:

To build a vibrant grassroots innovation ecosystem that empowers communities to create sustainable livelihoods, inclusive enterprises, and social impact through innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

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:

ACIC–PIMS Forum supports innovations and enterprises across the following 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;

o   Food Processing & Value Addition

o   Millets & Nutritional Enterprises

o   Handicrafts, Handlooms & Artisanal Products

o   Sustainable & Green Technologies

o   Women-led Enterprises

o   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

ACIC–PIMS Forum provides a collaborative innovation environment with:

·         Incubation & co-working spaces

·         Training & seminar halls

·         Prototype and demonstration support

·         Digital & knowledge resources

·         Access to institutional and industry networks

 

Governance & Management

The centre operates under a structured governance framework comprising:

·         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

ACIC–PIMS Forum actively collaborates with:

·         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

 

Contact Us

ACIC–PIMS Forum
ACIC–Padmashree Institute of Management & Sciences (ACIC-PIMS) Forum, Padmashree Campus, Kommaghatta, Bangalore-560056