How are Atal Innovation Mission and IFCCI Scaling Up Tinkering Labs Across India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Partnership between AIM and IFCCI aims to boost Atal Tinkering Labs.
- Focus on STEM education and innovation-driven learning.
- Over 11 million students impacted by AIM initiatives.
- 15 labs established with IFCCI's CSR support.
- Emphasis on 21st-century skills for students.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has formed a partnership with the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) to enhance the reach of Atal Tinkering Labs throughout India, as announced by NITI Aayog on Monday.
This Statement of Intent (SoI) was formalized during the third iteration of IFCCI CSR Connect Day 2025 at the Embassy of France in New Delhi, representing a pivotal step in furthering STEM education, digital literacy, and innovation-oriented learning via strategic partnerships with IFCCI's broad Indo-French corporate network.
The collaboration seeks to channel CSR and corporate resources to bolster infrastructure, improve curriculum delivery, and facilitate deeper engagement between industries and schools through ATL programs.
"Innovation is flourishing in every district of India, from the northernmost village to the southernmost point, and from west to east. It’s not merely about numbers; the essence lies in the variety and quality of innovative solutions produced by our students. AIM has already influenced over 11 million student entrepreneurs and is recognized among the largest grassroots innovation initiatives globally. This new alliance with IFCCI will broaden the scope of innovation-driven education for even more students and young entrepreneurs across India," stated Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog.
The joint endeavor will target and assist select government schools for ATL implementation and enhancement, provide teacher training, organize innovation challenges, and cultivate a sustainable ecosystem of learning and development. Approximately 15 labs have already been established with support from IFCCI's CSR initiatives.
In partnership, IFCCI, along with its member firms and implementing partners, aims to broaden this initiative nationwide through their CSR interventions, fostering a lasting and sustainable impact in schools and underserved communities.
This collaboration reinforces the shared vision of IFCCI and AIM to construct an inclusive, innovation-centered future for India.
"The IFCCI CSR Connect Seminar at the Embassy of France has become a critical venue for enhancing Indo-French collaboration in societal impact. Looking forward to 2026, we will witness a significant milestone, as the Prime Minister of India and the President of France declare it the India-France Year of Innovation. This vision transcends technology, incorporating social advancement as a fundamental aspect of our bilateral ties. I strongly urge French and Indian enterprises to perceive CSR as a chance to showcase leadership in sustainability and community influence," remarked Thierry Mathou, France's Ambassador to India.
Representatives from IFCCI and AIM also highlighted the necessity of fostering a culture of innovation from an early age. The partnership will prioritize expanding access to technology-enabled education, encouraging critical thinking and hands-on experimentation, and enhancing capabilities among teachers and students in government schools.
"This partnership is a significant stride in equipping India's youth with 21st-century skills. Through this alliance, we aspire to bridge the divide between industry and education, making innovation reachable for every student, particularly in underserved areas," stated Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI.