In a major push to strengthen grassroots innovation, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog has launched the ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy in Telangana, aimed at supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among school students.
The initiative will provide structured mentorship and institutional support to 379 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the state, helping young innovators transform ideas into real-world solutions and strengthening Telangana’s role in India’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The programme was launched in the presence of Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, along with senior officials from AIM and the state government.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor highlighted the importance of nurturing innovation at an early stage, stating that such initiatives are crucial in shaping a generation that is confident, capable and future-ready. He said the programme would empower students to think creatively and solve real-world problems while contributing to nation-building.
The ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy aims to move beyond providing infrastructure by ensuring sustained engagement through mentorship, teacher training and incubation pathways. Under the initiative, ATLs will be organised into regional clusters, each supported by a nodal institution. In Telangana, Vardhaman College of Engineering has been designated as the nodal institution to guide and support participating schools.
NITI Aayog said the programme will offer students hands-on exposure to emerging technologies, structured problem-solving frameworks and opportunities to scale their innovations. It also focuses on building teacher capacity and strengthening institutional linkages to make innovation a continuous process within schools.
Mission Director of AIM Deepak Bagla said the initiative aligns with the vision of building a developed India by fostering a culture where innovation begins early and is nurtured consistently. He emphasised the importance of connecting schools with institutions and the broader innovation ecosystem to create a pipeline of future entrepreneurs.
The rollout in Telangana is part of AIM’s nationwide effort to build one of the world’s largest student innovation ecosystems, with over 10,000 ATLs already operational across the country.
With strong institutional partnerships and a focus on mentorship-driven engagement, the initiative is expected to enhance innovation outcomes, foster regional innovation hubs and create a new generation of young innovators contributing to India’s growth and self-reliance.
