Nice: The India France ATL Bridge has been launched as a landmark initiative to deepen innovation-led cooperation between India and France by connecting young innovators through school innovation labs and collaborative learning ecosystems.
Spearheaded by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral innovation ties and expanding cross-border educational partnerships.
The Letter of Intent (LoI) formalizing the collaboration was exchanged in Nice, France, between Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Deepak Bagla, and Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, Marie-Pierre Aulas.
The signing took place on the sidelines of Bharat Innovates 2026, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron.
Guided by the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to deepen innovation-driven cooperation, the India France ATL Bridge establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France based on India’s successful Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) framework.
The initiative creates a structured platform that enables young learners from both countries to collaborate, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and foster long-term bilateral partnerships.
The India France ATL Bridge will function as a strategic platform for promoting cross-border innovation programmes, entrepreneurial exchanges, and collaborative initiatives between India and France.
Through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint innovation activities, the programme seeks to empower young innovators to co-create solutions for real-world challenges while strengthening early-stage innovation capabilities.
By connecting students, educators, innovators, and stakeholders across both nations, the initiative aims to nurture a vibrant culture of innovation and encourage mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the growth of innovation ecosystems in India and France.
The initiative is being undertaken during the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to promote innovation-led cooperation and prepare future-ready talent.
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The India France ATL Bridge represents a major milestone in expanding international collaboration in school-level innovation while encouraging meaningful exchanges among students, educators, and institutions.
Rooted in India’s civilizational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family”—the initiative embodies the belief that knowledge, innovation, and progress become more impactful when shared collectively.
Through the exchange of the Atal Tinkering Lab methodology and innovation ecosystem approach, India is extending not only a proven innovation model but also a spirit of partnership, friendship, and shared growth.
Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, said: “This milestone reflects the growing confidence of the world in India’s innovation journey. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble 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.
The establishment of the School Innovation Lab in France, connected with the Atal Tinkering Lab ecosystem in India, is not merely the creation of a new learning space, it is the sharing of a vision that every young person, irrespective of geography, should have the opportunity to innovate, create, and lead.”
Sharing her views, Marie-Pierre Aulas, Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, stated: “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.
The Atal Innovation Labs are a unique initiative to help achieve this ambition by nurturing creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Since 7 years, through our actions in India and in France, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has been committed to fostering this innovation mindset and strengthening international collaboration. I am delighted about this new step in the relationship between our two countries, thanks to Atal Innovation Mission, in the service of youth and a shared innovative future.”
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) was established with the vision of fostering a nationwide culture of innovation and entrepreneurship while contributing to the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Labs have grown into one of the world’s largest school-based innovation networks, empowering millions of students with skills in design thinking, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.
The India France ATL Bridge builds upon this success by extending the ATL model beyond India’s borders and facilitating international collaboration.
