India-France ATL Bridge Initiative for Bilateral Innovation Cooperation
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes have established the India-France ATL Bridge to strengthen innovation cooperation between the two countries through school-level innovation labs. The landmark initiative was guided by the shared resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron to deepen innovation-led cooperation between India and France.
The program establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France, inspired by India's Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) framework, creating a structured platform for young learners to collaborate and strengthen linkages between innovation ecosystems. The Letter of Intent formalizing this collaboration was exchanged between Mission Director Deepak Bagla of Atal Innovation Mission and Managing Director Marie-Pierre Aulas of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes in Nice, France, on the sidelines of Bharat Innovates 2026, which was inaugurated by both national leaders.
Program Structure and Objectives
The India-France ATL Bridge serves as a strategic platform for fostering cross-border innovation programs, entrepreneurial exchanges, and deeper collaboration between the innovation ecosystems of both countries. Through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint innovation activities, the initiative will enable young innovators to co-create solutions to real-world challenges and strengthen early-stage innovation capabilities. The program aims to cultivate a vibrant culture of innovation and drive mutually beneficial partnerships by strengthening connections among young innovators, educators, and stakeholders.
Scale and Impact of Existing ATL Program
This initiative builds upon India's substantial innovation infrastructure developed under the Atal Innovation Mission, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 with the vision of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Since its inception, AIM has created one of the world's largest school-based innovation networks, with more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs established across India, enabling over 11 million students to engage with design thinking, robotics, electronics, 3D design and printing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Strategic Context and Timing
The India-France ATL Bridge initiative is being undertaken during the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen innovation-led cooperation and nurture future-ready talent. The initiative represents a significant step towards expanding international collaboration in school-level innovation and fostering meaningful exchanges among students, educators, and innovation ecosystems in both countries. The program is rooted in India's civilizational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), emphasizing that knowledge, innovation, and progress are most meaningful when shared.
Leadership Perspectives
Mission Director Deepak Bagla stated that this milestone reflects growing global confidence in India's innovation journey and represents India's evolution into a nation that not only nurtures innovation domestically but also contributes globally relevant models and solutions. Marie-Pierre Aulas of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes emphasized that education is the most powerful lever for building a sustainable future and that the ATL Labs represent a unique initiative to nurture creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial skills from an early age, building on their seven years of work in both countries.