AIM Launches ‘AI-Preneurs of India’ at AI Impact Summit

Reaffirming India's emergence as a global leader in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, today launched AI-Preneurs of India, a flagship coffee table book chronicling the journeys of 45 pioneering AI startups building solutions to real-world challenges.

The book was unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the 7th edition of AIM's "Innovations For You" coffee table series and reinforcing its role in strengthening India's deep-tech and AI startup ecosystem.

Showcasing AI Innovation Beyond Metro Hubs

AI-Preneurs of India features startups operating across 30+ sector domains, including:

• Healthcare

• Education

• Sustainability

• Mobility

• Sports analytics

• Deep tech

• Social impact

Drawing from AIM's nationwide network of Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), the publication highlights the geographic and thematic diversity of India's AI innovation landscape — extending far beyond traditional technology clusters.

The curated selection underscores how AI-led entrepreneurship is emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as well as established innovation hubs.

AI for Social Good: Vision in Action

Speaking at the launch, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said the book reflects the Prime Minister's vision of inclusive and ethical AI deployment.

"The Hon'ble Prime Minister has consistently articulated a clear vision for Artificial Intelligence, one that is rooted in inclusive growth, ethical deployment, and AI for social good," Bagla said.

"AI-Preneurs of India is a reflection of that vision in action. The founders featured in this book are not merely building cutting-edge technologies; they are developing AI solutions grounded in India's realities and aligned with national priorities."

He added that the publication celebrates entrepreneurs who are shaping India's global AI narrative through purpose-driven innovation.

Founder-First Storytelling Approach

Unlike traditional industry compendiums, this edition adopts a founder-first storytelling approach, capturing not only technological advancements but also the motivations, setbacks, and resilience of entrepreneurs navigating the deep-tech ecosystem.

By foregrounding the human journey behind AI innovation, the book signals a broader shift from profit-centric narratives toward mission-driven entrepreneurship focused on public value creation.

Senior Policymakers and Ecosystem Leaders Attend Launch

The launch panel featured senior policymakers and ecosystem leaders, including:

• Ms Amneet P Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Future, Government of Haryana

• Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, Government of Uttarakhand

• Shri Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC

• Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI

• Shri Raghav Chandra, IAS, Former Secretary to the Government of India

Their presence underscored cross-government support for AI-led innovation and incubation-driven growth.

Positioning India as a Responsible AI Leader

Released at a time when artificial intelligence dominates global economic and policy discourse, AI-Preneurs of India positions the country not merely as a consumer of frontier technologies, but as a global contributor shaping responsible AI pathways.

The book highlights how:

• Public innovation infrastructure

• Sustained incubation support

• Mission-led governance

are enabling Indian startups to deliver scalable impact with global relevance.

The publication is available online via the Atal Innovation Mission's official portal.