From classrooms to startups, Telangana’s 379 Atal Tinkering Labs gain structured mentorship through ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy, fuelling India’s innovation future.
Telangana has become the latest state to host the rollout of ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy, initiatives under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, designed to strengthen innovation at the school level.
The programme will provide structured mentorship and institutional support to 379 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the state, enabling students to develop ideas into practical solutions.
The initiative clusters ATLs regionally and connects them with local institutions to ensure continuous mentorship, teacher training, and pathways for incubation and startup support.
In Telangana, Vardhaman College of Engineering has been appointed as the nodal institution, bringing expertise in technical education and entrepreneurship to support ATL schools.
The launch event was attended by Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Telangana, and G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, alongside senior officials from AIM and the Telangana state government.
“The ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy initiative strengthens the foundation of innovation in our schools by creating meaningful linkages between young learners and institutions of excellence,” said Governor Shukla.
“It will empower students to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and contribute to nation-building,” he noted.
ATLs continue to play a growing role in India’s electronics and startup ecosystem. Equipped with tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, and IoT devices, they provide students with hands-on exposure to emerging technologies.
Mission Director of AIM, Shri Deepak Bagla, emphasised the long-term vision: “ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy are important steps we have taken towards building a culture where innovation begins early and is nurtured consistently.”
With over 10,000 ATLs operational nationwide, AIM’s broader mission is to establish one of the world’s largest student innovation ecosystems.
The Telangana rollout is expected to enhance innovation outcomes, foster regional hubs, and create a pipeline of young Indian entrepreneurs.
