The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has formed a strategic partnership with CFA Institute India to enhance financial literacy, governance and ethical decision-making across India’s expanding innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The agreement was formalised in New Delhi through the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent, with senior leaders from AIM and the CFA Institute, including Deepak Bagla, Margaret Franklin and Arati Porwal, participating in the discussions.

The partnership will support Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal Community Innovation Centres and early-stage startups by introducing structured capacity-building programmes and specialised financial education modules. These initiatives aim to embed global best practices and strengthen the foundations of responsible innovation across India.

AIM’s Mission Director Deepak Bagla said the collaboration represents a major step toward mobilising the innovation ecosystem from the grassroots to the global stage. Leaders from the CFA Institute emphasised the increasing importance of financial understanding, governance principles and ethical frameworks as India’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to scale.

As part of the partnership, school innovators will gain access to financial literacy modules, while AIM-supported incubators and startups will receive expert-led training, knowledge reports and advisory support. CFA charterholders may also contribute to incubator review processes to enhance transparency and governance standards.

Nationwide masterclasses, outreach programmes and knowledge sessions will help strengthen financial awareness, ensuring India’s innovators are equipped to build sustainable and future-ready enterprises.