India and France Launch ATL Bridge for Young Innovators
In a significant move to enhance innovation-driven collaboration, India and France have officially inaugurated the India–France ATL Bridge. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron, this initiative aims to connect young innovators from both nations through a structured collaboration platform. The India–France ATL Bridge is the first of its kind to feature a School Innovation Lab in France, inspired by India’s Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) framework.
The milestone was marked by the exchange of a Letter of Intent (LoI) in France between Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), and Marie-Pierre Aulas, Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. This collaboration seeks to foster entrepreneurial exchanges and facilitate cross-border innovation programs, further strengthening the innovation ecosystems of India and France.
Bridging Innovation Ecosystems
The India–France ATL Bridge will enable young innovators to co-create solutions for real-world challenges. It emphasizes knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint innovation efforts, aiming to strengthen connections among students, educators, and various stakeholders. With an overarching goal to cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation, the initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of both nations to nurture future-ready talent.
Launched during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the initiative represents a crucial step towards expanding international collaboration, particularly at the school level. The philosophy behind the ATL Bridge resonates with the Indian civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to ‘the world is one family.’ This reflects a belief in the importance of shared knowledge and progress.
Voices from Leadership
Deepak Bagla remarked, “This milestone reflects the growing confidence of the world in India’s innovation journey. India’s commitment to nurturing both domestic and global innovation is clear, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The School Innovation Lab in France, connected with the Atal Tinkering Lab, embodies the vision that every youth should have the opportunity to innovate and lead, regardless of their geographic location.”
Marie-Pierre Aulas highlighted the integral role of education in constructing a sustainable future, stating, “It is essential to inspire young minds through explorative and experiential learning. The Atal Innovation Labs nurture creativity and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Our partnership with AIM emphasizes this innovative mindset and enhances international collaboration, benefiting the youth of both nations.”
The Aim of AIM
Established in 2016 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, AIM aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, contributing towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. AIM has emerged as a national flagship program, nurturing innovation across schools, universities, research institutions, and startups. The Atal Tinkering Labs have become a pivotal part of this movement, creating one of the world’s largest school-based innovation networks.
Since its launch, the initiative has established over 10,000 Tinkering Labs across India, empowering over 11 million students with skills in emerging technologies, design thinking, and problem-solving. As Prime Minister Modi emphasized, “The future of India will be dependent on the innovations and work done by the youth.” The India–France ATL Bridge symbolizes collaboration and a shared belief in the potential of young innovators to shape a brighter, inventive future.
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