As Eastern India continues to emerge as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, Regional AIM SUMVAAD-East Chapter 2026, organised by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog as part of its ongoing regional Sumvaad series, brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem to chart a collaborative roadmap for the region’s next phase of innovation-led growth.
The conclave held at O-Hub, Bhubaneswar also witnessed the launch of the AIM- Odisha Chapter- a collaborative platform bringing together Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) and Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) across Odisha. The initiative is designed to strengthen inter-incubator collaboration through shared access to programmes, infrastructure, mentors, investors, strategic partners, and ecosystem resources, creating greater opportunities for startups while further enriching Odisha’s innovation ecosystem.
The inaugural session was graced by Smt. Chithra Arumugam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha, who delivered the keynote address. She highlighted Eastern regions growing prominence in the national innovation landscape and underscored the importance of collaborative ecosystems, institutional partnerships, and policy-led interventions in nurturing globally competitive startup ecosystems.
Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog while addressing the gathering in a virtual address said that “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently envisioned innovation as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat. Atal Innovation Mission is translating that vision into action by strengthening innovation ecosystems beyond metropolitan centres and empowering every region to become a growth engine. Regional collaborations such as AIM SUMVAAD are creating platforms where institutions, incubators, entrepreneurs, and governments work together to unlock local strengths, generate high-impact enterprises, and build an innovation-driven India from the grassroots upward.”
Welcoming the participants, Program Lead, Atal Innovation Mission Pramit Dash, set the tone for the conclave by emphasising the importance of regional partnerships in advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development across Eastern India.
The conclave witnessed active participation from Atal Incubation Centres and Atal Community Innovation Centres across Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, reflecting the growing momentum for regional collaboration and reinforcing the importance of interconnected innovation ecosystems in driving entrepreneurship across Eastern India.
The day-long programme featured policy briefings, industry dialogues, ecosystem huddles, and thematic sessions under the theme “Purvodaya- Building an Ecosystem for Sunrise Sectors.” Deliberations focused on strengthening state startup ecosystems, enabling collaborative innovation, promoting grassroots entrepreneurship in aspirational districts, and unlocking opportunities in high-growth sectors including mining, biotechnology, and life sciences.
Following successful engagements across the North, South, Centre and East regions, the initiative continues to connect policymakers, incubators, industry, and entrepreneurs, creating stronger innovation ecosystems that are rooted in local strengths while contributing to India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.(S-PIB)
