60
/
3
Min Read
India and France have launched the India-France ATL Bridge Initiative to strengthen cooperation in education, innovation and entrepreneurship. The landmark initiative aims to connect young innovators from both countries and promote a culture of innovation at the school level. Through this program, India's renowned Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) model will gain international expansion, providing students with opportunities to learn, collaborate and innovate on a global platform.
The initiative was formally launched during the Bharat Innovates 2026 event held in Nice, France. On the occasion, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was exchanged between the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron as part of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026.
First School Innovation Lab to Be Established in France
Under this agreement, France will establish its first-ever School Innovation Lab based on India's Atal Tinkering Lab framework. The lab will provide students from both countries with a platform to collaborate on projects related to innovation, science, technology and entrepreneurship.
Experts believe that the initiative will not only enhance students' technical knowledge but also help them develop problem-solving abilities, teamwork, creativity and leadership skills. It is expected to strengthen educational and innovation ecosystems in both India and France.
Global Opportunities for Students
Through the India-France ATL Bridge, a range of cross-border innovation programs, student exchange initiatives, capacity-building activities and joint projects will be conducted. These efforts will enable students from both countries to work together on solutions to real-world social and technological challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, said that the initiative reflects growing global confidence in India's innovation journey. He added that establishing a School Innovation Lab in France extends the vision that every young person, regardless of geography, should have the opportunity to innovate, create and lead.
Boost to Education and Entrepreneurship
Marie-Pierre Aulas, Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, stated that education remains one of the most powerful tools for building a sustainable and prosperous future. She praised the Atal Tinkering Lab model for effectively nurturing creativity, experimentation and entrepreneurial skills among students.
She further noted that this partnership marks an important step toward strengthening innovation-driven cooperation between India and France and will create new opportunities in education and technological development in the years ahead.
Global Recognition for India's ATL Model
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, the Atal Innovation Mission aims to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. To date, more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established across the country, benefiting over 11 million students. These labs provide hands-on exposure to emerging technologies such as robotics, electronics, artificial intelligence, 3D design and other advanced fields.
According to education experts, the India-France ATL Bridge reflects the shared vision of both countries to empower the next generation of innovators, encourage the use of technology in education and strengthen collaboration in entrepreneurship on a global scale. The initiative is expected to serve as a significant platform for students to connect with international innovation and startup ecosystems and explore new opportunities for learning and growth.
