New Delhi, Nov 19 (NationPress) In alignment with the Government of India’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the nation’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog established a pivotal alliance with CFA Institute India Pvt. Ltd by signing a Joint Statement of Intent on Wednesday.

This collaboration is set to provide significant assistance to Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), and startups in their early stages.

It seeks to introduce structured capacity-building programmes, tailored financial education modules, and best practices from around the globe, all aimed at aligning with India’s long-term objectives of nurturing responsible and future-ready innovators.

School innovators associated with ATLs will benefit from structured learning modules focusing on financial literacy and ethical practices. In addition, AIM-supported incubators and startups will have access to expert-led training, knowledge reports, and specialized advisory support designed to enhance their financial sustainability frameworks.

Chartered members of CFA will also play a role in the review processes of incubators and may be appointed for advisory and governing positions within AICs and ACICs to further enhance transparency, accountability, and governance excellence.

This partnership is expected to bring in global expertise, codes, and standards from CFA Institute’s international network. Nationwide masterclasses, outreach programmes, and knowledge-sharing sessions will be organized to empower students, entrepreneurs, incubator managers, and other stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.

Prominent leaders from AIM and CFA Institute, including Deepak Bagla, Margaret Franklin, and Arati Porwal, participated in discussions leading up to the signing of the SOI.

During the event, AIM Mission Director Deepak Bagla remarked that this collaboration is a crucial advancement in reinforcing the foundations of India’s innovation ecosystem, spanning from grassroots initiatives to the global arena.

“This partnership will be key in mobilizing India’s innovation ecosystem from grassroots levels to a global stature through AIM’s Atal Tinkering Labs, AICs, ACICs, and local innovation initiatives. The CFA Institute’s proficiency in financial ethics, governance, and global professional standards will greatly enhance our mission to cultivate a responsible, financially literate, and future-ready innovation ecosystem,” he stated.

Margaret Franklin, President & CEO of CFA Institute, highlighted the increasing importance of financial and governance skills, expressing that CFA Institute values its collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission to promote financial education and ethical decision-making among India’s future innovators.

As India’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to expand, the demand for strong financial acumen and high governance standards becomes even more vital.

This strategic alliance aims to leverage CFA Institute’s global expertise and mission to support AIM’s initiatives in fostering responsible and future-ready innovators throughout India.

Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head India at CFA Institute, emphasized the initiative’s significance in enhancing foundational financial knowledge, stating: “This partnership signifies an important stride towards fortifying the financial infrastructure of India’s innovation scene. Finance and governance are essential cornerstones for sustainable innovation. By collaborating closely with AIM’s incubators, startups, and Atal Tinkering Laboratories, we plan to instill an understanding of financial markets, governance practices, and ethical principles at the early stages of entrepreneurship. Our emphasis will be on creating practical, accessible, and globally aligned educational opportunities that enable young entrepreneurs to thrive.”