India and France Connect 10,000 School Innovation Labs

Students in Mumbai can now team up with peers in Nice to build robots, design solutions, and tackle global challenges together.

India and France just launched the ATL Bridge, connecting India's 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs with new innovation spaces in France. The program links young inventors across continents, letting them collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other's creativity.

Announced at the India Innovates 2026 event in Nice, the initiative partners India's Atal Innovation Mission with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Students will exchange knowledge about robotics, 3D design, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies while working on projects that address real challenges.

The Atal Tinkering Labs have reached over 11 million students since launching in 2016. These hands-on spaces give young people tools to experiment with design thinking, electronics, and problem-solving through collaborative learning.

"This reflects the growing global trust in India's innovation journey," said Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission. Under this model, India offers solutions that work not just domestically but globally.

Marie-Pierre Olas, Managing Director of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, emphasized how education builds sustainable futures. "It is essential to inspire young generations to learn science and technology through exploratory and experiential learning," she noted.

The Ripple Effect

The bridge does more than connect classrooms. It shows how early exposure to innovation shapes future leaders who think globally and act locally.

When students collaborate across borders, they gain perspectives that transform how they approach problems. A student in Jammu might learn techniques from a peer in Paris, then apply them to improve water conservation in their community.

The initiative forms part of the India-France Innovation Year 2026, strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and education between both nations. By building relationships early, young innovators develop networks that last throughout their careers.

France gains access to India's proven model of grassroots innovation education, while Indian students connect with European resources and perspectives. Both countries benefit from fresh ideas and cross-cultural problem-solving.

Young people across two continents now have the tools, connections, and encouragement to innovate without borders.