How Are Atal Innovation Mission and Bhashini Collaborating to Enhance Vernacular Innovation in India?

New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), part of NITI Aayog, and Bhashini, which operates under the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have officially entered into a Statement of Intent (SoI) aimed at democratizing innovation access by overcoming language obstacles, as reported by NITI Aayog on Thursday.

This collaborative effort is designed to enhance vernacular innovation and foster language inclusivity throughout India’s dynamic innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, according to the policy think tank.

The SoI was finalized during a meeting that included key figures from both organizations, such as Deepak Bagla, the Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, and Amitabh Nag, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital India Bhashini Division.

Discussions explored joint strategies to integrate language technology into AIM’s nationwide innovation initiatives.

As an initial step, content produced by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Academy will be translated into various Indian languages utilizing Bhashini’s technological tools, following a Joint Letter of Intent signed by AIM, NITI Aayog, and WIPO.

Future possibilities for gamifying educational content through Bhashini’s platforms may also be investigated, as indicated by NITI Aayog.

Startups and other participants within the AIM framework will gain access to essential tools and sandbox environments that facilitate multilingual product creation.

Through this partnership, AIM and Bhashini plan to launch multiple initiatives that will empower grassroots innovators by utilizing Bhashini’s language solutions and technologies.

“This partnership aligns with our broader objective of fostering inclusive innovation. By incorporating language technologies into AIM’s programs, we are making a tangible move towards ensuring accessibility and opportunities for innovators throughout India, irrespective of their language,” stated Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission.

The existing AIM ecosystem, which includes Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) and Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), along with the new Language Inclusive Program for Innovation (LIPI) centres, will also utilize Bhashini’s platforms for skill development and capacity-building initiatives at the grassroots level.

“Language must not be a hindrance to innovation. Through our collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, we strive to empower every Indian innovator—regardless of their linguistic background—by equipping them with the necessary tools to fully engage in the digital and entrepreneurial revolution,” commented Amitabh Nag, CEO of Digital India Bhashini Division.

Bhashini’s language technologies will serve to bridge communication gaps and unlock new paths for inclusive growth across the nation.