NITI Aayog Launches Applications for 500 New Atal Tinkering Labs Across J&K

The initiative aims to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a model region for frontier innovation by expanding access to emerging technologies, design thinking and problem-solving education among school students.

In a major initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in India's frontier regions, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the School Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir and the University of Kashmir, has launched the application process for establishing 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

The ambitious programme forms a key component of AIM's broader Frontier Region Program, which seeks to build inclusive and customised innovation ecosystems in geographically challenging and underserved regions of the country.

Major Push to Build Innovation Ecosystem in Frontier Regions

The initiative aims to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a model region for frontier innovation by expanding access to emerging technologies, design thinking and problem-solving education among school students.

Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring participation from:

• Remote areas

• Border districts

• Hilly regions

• Underserved geographies

• Aspirational communities

Officials stated that the programme seeks to nurture a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers from Jammu & Kashmir while ensuring equitable access to innovation opportunities across districts.

The project is expected to strengthen linkages between:

• Schools

• Universities

• Industry

• Innovation institutions

• Government departments

This integrated approach aims to create a sustainable grassroots innovation ecosystem within the Union Territory.

Frontier Region Program Focuses on Inclusive Innovation

According to AIM, the Frontier Region Program has been specifically designed to create customised innovation ecosystems suited to the unique geographical and institutional realities of frontier regions like Jammu & Kashmir.

The programme promotes:

• Localised implementation models

• Deep institutional convergence

• Inclusive access to innovation infrastructure

• Technology-driven learning

• Innovation-led education

Officials believe the initiative will play an important role in bridging educational and technological gaps in remote areas while encouraging creativity and scientific thinking among students.

University of Kashmir Named Nodal Mentoring Institution

The application launch marks an important milestone in implementing the vision announced during the launch of the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Program in September 2025.

As part of that initiative, the University of Kashmir was designated as the nodal mentoring institution responsible for supporting and strengthening the ATL ecosystem throughout Jammu & Kashmir.

The university is expected to play a central role in:

• Mentoring ATL schools

• Capacity building

• Innovation guidance

• Ecosystem strengthening

• Technical support

Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, highlighted the importance of building a strong grassroots innovation culture in Jammu & Kashmir and reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting the initiative through ATL Sarthi.

Customized Framework Developed for Jammu & Kashmir

To ensure broader participation and suitability for local conditions, AIM, together with the School Education Department and the University of Kashmir, has developed a customised application framework tailored specifically to the geographical and institutional realities of Jammu & Kashmir.

The modified framework includes several important relaxations and inclusions, such as:

• Inclusion of Government, Private and Aided schools

• Eligibility for Kendriya Vidyalayas

• Inclusion of Army Goodwill Schools

• Participation of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas

• Relaxation in school space requirements

• Flexibility in enrolment criteria

• Special consideration for remote and border-area schools

Officials said these modifications are intended to maximise participation from schools across diverse regions and socio-economic backgrounds.

Large-Scale Awareness Campaign Launched

A comprehensive outreach and awareness strategy has also been developed to ensure maximum participation from schools throughout the Union Territory.

The outreach programme includes:

• District-level awareness sessions

• Orientation programmes for school heads and teachers

• Official departmental communication campaigns

• Collaboration with existing ATL schools

• Institutional partnership engagement

The campaign aims to ensure that schools from all districts receive adequate information and support regarding the application process.

Deepak Bagla Highlights Vision of Inclusive Innovation

During the launch event, AIM Mission Director Deepak Bagla emphasized that the initiative is not merely about setting up laboratories but about nurturing future innovators and nation-builders.

"Today, as we open applications for 500 ATLs across Jammu & Kashmir, we are not only establishing these labs, we are going to nurture a new generation of problem-solvers, creators, and nation-builders," he said.

Bagla noted that the labs would empower students from every corner of the Union Territory, including remote and border areas, to:

• Experiment with technology

• Develop innovative solutions

• Solve real-world challenges

• Build entrepreneurial thinking

He also stated that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem where every young mind gets an opportunity to contribute.

Jammu & Kashmir Education Department Supports Initiative

Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary of the School Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir, reaffirmed the department's commitment to ensuring equitable participation across all districts.

"The initiative will strengthen scientific temper, creativity, and experiential learning among students while enabling schools in remote and aspirational areas to become active participants in India's innovation movement," Sharma said.

Officials believe the programme will significantly improve experiential learning and technology exposure among students in the Union Territory.

"Innovation Mashaal" Initiative Builds Student Engagement

A major highlight leading up to the application launch was the "Innovation Mashaal" initiative jointly conducted by AIM and the School Education Department across multiple districts of Jammu & Kashmir.

The initiative was designed as a symbolic torch journey connecting ATL schools through a shared spirit of innovation and scientific curiosity.

The Innovation Mashaal:

• Started in Srinagar

• Travelled across North and South Kashmir

• Concluded in Jammu

Activities included:

• District-level engagements

• Innovation awareness programmes

• Expert talks

• Community outreach

• Student participation activities

Participating ATL schools signed the Mashaal as a symbolic representation of collective ownership in the innovation movement of Jammu & Kashmir.

Transparent Selection and Implementation Process Planned

Officials stated that the launch marks the beginning of a large-scale statewide implementation effort with robust evaluation and selection mechanisms being developed to ensure transparent and fair school selection.

The initiative is expected to:

• Strengthen grassroots innovation ecosystems

• Accelerate innovation-driven education

• Promote future-oriented learning

• Expand technology access

• Encourage entrepreneurship among students

The programme is also seen as an important step toward integrating frontier regions into India's broader innovation and digital development agenda.

Application Manual Officially Launched

The event concluded with the formal launch of the Application Manual for establishing 500 new ATLs in Jammu & Kashmir.

Eligible non-ATL schools can apply through the official portal:

https://aimapp2.aim.gov.in/atl_application_frp/