Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), part of NITI Aayog, launched the first State Innovation Mission (SIM) in Tripura to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into the State’s development framework. The launch in Agartala was attended by senior state and central officials. The SIM is part of the approved AIM 2.0 programme under the State Support Mission and is designed as a long term mechanism to support States and Union Territories. The Tripura SIM will be institutionalised under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT) and will inaugurate T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups) as a dedicated incubation and innovation facility to promote Make from Tripura solutions. Innovation centres will be created in each of the eight districts linked to T-NEST to promote innovation among women and tribal communities. A District Innovator Fellowship (DIF) was announced to identify and nurture grassroots innovators with lifecycle support. Tripura committed to preparing a State artificial intelligence policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of responsible and inclusive AI and to develop an AI City in Agartala with support from global technology enablers. AIM will work with the Government of Tripura to design and implement a long term innovation and entrepreneurship strategy aligned with the State’s economic priorities and sectoral strengths. The mission will strengthen innovation education from the school level and provide startups with access to infrastructure, mentorship and funding. AIM leadership said the initiative forms part of a broader shift towards innovation led development that empowers States to drive growth and deliver tangible outcomes. The SIM is expected to foster inclusion, regional balance and collaboration between government, academia, industry and civil society, and to build on AIM’s sustained engagement with Tripura. The launch reflects AIM’s commitment to partner with States and Union Territories to advance the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through innovation led development.