Atal Innovation Mission, in collaboration with educational bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, has initiated the establishment of 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in the Union Territory. This move is part of AIM’s Frontier Region Programme, which aims to foster innovation ecosystems in challenging regions. The program seeks to cultivate young innovators and ensure equal access to innovation opportunities by strengthening connections between schools, universities, industry, and innovation institutions.
The initiative includes a tailored application process for Jammu and Kashmir, accommodating various school types like government, private, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and more. It also offers flexibility in criteria related to school space and enrollment, with a focus on schools in remote and underserved areas. NITI Aayog highlighted the goal of transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a model for frontier-region innovation by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and problem-solving education.
Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, emphasized the labs’ role in empowering students across the Union Territory to innovate and tackle real-world challenges. Schools are encouraged to actively participate in the application process to become integral parts of the innovation ecosystem. An extensive outreach strategy has been devised to ensure broad participation, including district-level awareness sessions and orientations for school staff.
