Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes have jointly established the India–France Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) Bridge, a structured bilateral platform designed to connect young innovators across both countries, according to an official statement released on Sunday, 14 June 2026. The initiative also marks the launch of the first School Innovation Lab in France, modelled on India's Atal Tinkering Lab framework.

What the ATL Bridge Establishes

The India–France ATL Bridge creates a formal cross-border channel for school-level innovation programmes, entrepreneurial exchanges, and collaboration between the two countries' innovation ecosystems. At its core is the new School Innovation Lab in France, which is directly linked to India's existing ATL network — bringing the pedagogical model of hands-on, experiential learning to French classrooms for the first time.

The initiative is being carried out under the umbrella of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, reflecting a shared governmental commitment to nurturing future-ready talent through structured bilateral cooperation.

What Officials Said

Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, described the development as a reflection of growing global confidence in India's innovation model. 'Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has evolved into a nation that not only nurtures innovation domestically but also contributes globally relevant models and solutions. As we work towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, initiatives such as the India–France ATL Bridge reaffirm India's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation,' Bagla said.

He added that the School Innovation Lab in France represents more than a physical learning space — it is, in his words, 'the sharing of a vision that every young person, irrespective of geography, should have the opportunity to innovate, create, and lead.'

Marie-Pierre Aulas, Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, emphasised the foundational role of education. 'Education is the most powerful lever for building a sustainable future. It is essential to inspire young people to learn and discover science and technology through explorative and experiential learning,' she said. Aulas noted that La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has been engaged in fostering this innovation mindset across India and France for seven years, and called the ATL Bridge 'a new step in the relationship between our two countries... in the service of youth and a shared innovative future.'

Why This Matters

India's Atal Tinkering Lab programme — already one of the world's largest school-level innovation networks — now has its first international institutional extension. This signals a shift from domestic scaling to global model export, with France serving as the first partner country to formally adopt the ATL framework within its own school system.

Notably, the initiative lands during a period of deepening India-France strategic ties, adding an education and innovation dimension to a relationship traditionally anchored in defence and trade. For students in both countries, the bridge is expected to open structured pathways for joint projects, educator exchanges, and shared innovation challenges.

What Comes Next

The ATL Bridge is expected to progressively expand cross-border student collaboration through joint programmes and entrepreneurial exchanges. As the India–France Year of Innovation 2026 continues, further announcements on programme structure and participation criteria are anticipated from both AIM and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes.