The Odisha Government would set up Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) in backward areas of the State to support innovations in various fields, for which the NITI Aayog would extend support.

With a large number of corporate majors operating in Odisha, there is a huge scope for setting up the centres in the State. The ACICs would be set up in public-private partnership (PPP) mode and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds can be routed for the initiative.

CSR funds of private and public sector undertakings would be utilised for the purpose, officials say.

In order to tap the opportunities, the NITI Aayog has urged the State Government to purse such innovations, which would spur the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The centres are launched through the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and this is a NITI Aayog flagship programme, which is promoting innovation in a big way.

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has brought to the notice of the State Government the large scope of setting up of ACICs in the districts. With 10 Aspirational Districts in the State, there is enough scope for setting up of ACICs in these districts, said sources.

While universities would be able to set up ACICs, non-Government organisations (NGOs) are also eligible to set up the centres, said sources.

The Atal Innovation Mission would give support up to Rs 2.5 crore over five years and an  equal amount is needed to be invested by the organisation, which needs to set up an ACIC, officials say.

The ACICs would be set up to promote a design thinking process to spur community focused innovation and to create local, national and global synergy with all stakeholders in the ecosystem. The CSR funds available with private and public sector would ensure financial stability of these centres.m Innovation through the local clusters would be promoted and it will help the entrepreneurs. The AIM would leverage mentoring network with 10,000 mentors under the mission. The ACICs would create a positive atmosphere, where different communities would learn from each other about unique innovations.