In a major initiative aimed at strengthening innovation and technology-driven education in frontier regions, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog launched the application process for establishing 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department and the University of Kashmir.
Officials said the proposed labs are part of AIM’s larger Frontier Region Programme, designed to create inclusive innovation ecosystems in geographically challenging and underserved regions. The programme seeks to strengthen collaboration among schools, universities, industries and innovation institutions to promote scientific thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship among students.
The initiative aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a model for frontier-region innovation by expanding access to emerging technologies, design thinking and problem-solving education, especially for students in remote, border and hilly areas.
The launch follows the rollout of the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme in September 2025, during which the University of Kashmir was designated as the nodal mentoring institution for the ATL ecosystem in the Union Territory.
According to officials, a customised application framework has been developed keeping in view the geographical and institutional realities of Jammu and Kashmir. The framework includes special provisions for government, private and aided schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Army Goodwill Schools and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Eligibility norms related to school infrastructure and student enrolment have also been relaxed for schools located in remote, border and underserved areas to ensure wider participation.
To maximise outreach, authorities have planned district-level awareness programmes, orientation sessions for school heads and teachers, and official communication drives across all districts of the Union Territory.
Mission Director of AIM, Deepak Bagla, said the initiative would help nurture a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers from Jammu and Kashmir.
“Today, as we open applications for 500 ATLs across Jammu and Kashmir, we are not only establishing these labs, we are nurturing future nation-builders. These labs will empower students from every corner of the Union Territory, including remote and border areas, to experiment fearlessly and develop solutions for real-world challenges,” Bagla said.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIM remained committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem aligned with the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, said the initiative would strengthen scientific temper, creativity and experiential learning among students while enabling schools in remote areas to become active participants in India’s innovation movement.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Nilofer Khan, highlighted the importance of building a strong grassroots innovation culture in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the university would play a mentoring role through the ATL Sarthi initiative to support schools across the Union Territory.
Ahead of the formal launch, AIM and the School Education Department also organised the “Innovation Mashaal” initiative across multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The symbolic torch journey travelled from Srinagar through several districts in north and south Kashmir before reaching Jammu, connecting ATL schools through activities promoting innovation and scientific thinking.
The programme included awareness sessions, expert interactions, community outreach events and participation from students and schools across the region. Participating ATL schools also signed the Mashaal as a symbol of collective participation in the innovation movement.
Officials said the launch marks the beginning of a large-scale implementation and outreach effort across Jammu and Kashmir, with transparent evaluation and selection mechanisms being put in place for schools applying under the scheme.
