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NITI Aayog Launches ATL Sarthi & Mentor India Academy in Telangana to Boost School Innovation

New initiative to strengthen 379 Atal Tinkering Labs with mentorship and institutional support. Focus on turning school-level ideas into real-world innovations and startups.

HYDERABAD, TELANGANA: The NITI Aayog, under its Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), has launched the ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy in Telangana, aiming to strengthen innovation at the school level. The initiative will support 379 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the state by providing structured mentorship, training, and access to institutional resources, helping students move from ideas to impactful solutions.

The programme introduces a cluster-based model, where ATLs will be grouped regionally and connected with leading institutions for continuous guidance. Vardhaman College of Engineering has been designated as the nodal institution, playing a key role in mentoring schools, supporting teachers, and building a strong local innovation ecosystem. Officials highlighted that the initiative focuses on hands-on learning, problem-solving, and exposure to emerging technologies, ensuring that innovation becomes an ongoing process in schools. It also aims to strengthen teacher capacity and create pathways for students to take their ideas further into incubation and startup opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasised that such initiatives are essential for building a generation that is confident, creative, and future-ready. The programme aligns with the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, focusing on nurturing young talent from an early stage.

With over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs already operational across India, the rollout in Telangana is expected to further strengthen the country’s grassroots innovation ecosystem. Experts believe that initiatives like ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy can play a crucial role in shaping future innovators and entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between education, technology, and real-world impact

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