France/New Delhi, June 14: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes have launched the India–France ATL Bridge to strengthen innovation-led cooperation between the two countries by connecting young innovators through a shared school innovation ecosystem.
An official spokesperson, while talking to Kashmir Convener, said that the initiative will establish the first School Innovation Lab in France based on India’s Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) model, creating a platform for students of both countries to collaborate, exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
The spokesperson said that the Letter of Intent (LoI) formalising the collaboration was exchanged between Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Deepak Bagla, and Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, Marie-Pierre Aulas, in France.
According to the spokesperson, the India–France ATL Bridge will promote cross-border innovation programmes, entrepreneurial exchanges, capacity building initiatives and collaboration between innovation ecosystems in India and France. The initiative aims to strengthen connections among young innovators, educators and stakeholders while fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The spokesperson said the initiative is being launched during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to nurture future-ready talent and deepen innovation-led cooperation.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Deepak Bagla said the collaboration reflects growing global confidence in India’s innovation ecosystem and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said the establishment of a School Innovation Lab in France linked to India’s ATL ecosystem would provide young learners with opportunities to innovate, create and lead irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Marie-Pierre Aulas said education remains a powerful tool for building a sustainable future and emphasized the importance of experiential learning in science and technology. She noted that the collaboration would further strengthen innovation culture among youth and deepen cooperation between India and France.
The spokesperson added that since its launch in 2016, Atal Innovation Mission has emerged as a flagship initiative of the Government of India for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, universities, research institutions and startups. More than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established across the country, benefiting over 11 million students through exposure to design thinking, robotics, artificial intelligence, electronics and other emerging technologies.
The spokesperson said, India–France ATL Bridge, represents another significant milestone in India’s efforts to expand international collaboration in innovation and strengthen ties between young innovators and student entrepreneurs of both countries.
Comments are closed.