Atal Innovation Mission’s Frontier Region Programme paves way for 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs in J&K

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In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, Government of India, in collaboration with the University of Kashmir, launched the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme at the Convocation Complex, University of Kashmir.

This landmark initiative marks an impetus for innovation in the Union Territory, with the announcement of 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).

The programme was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology, in the presence of other dignitaries.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that as India's economy moves up from rank 4 to rank 3 and further upward, the value addition will come from regions and resources hitherto underexplored, and J&K qualifies on both counts.

The Minister announced that under the Frontier Region Programme, 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) will be set up in J&K, forming the largest share of the 2,500 labs sanctioned for frontier regions, with an investment of Rs 100 crore. These labs, he said, will give school students exposure to cutting-edge tools in robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, enabling them to innovate at a young age.

Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, said these additional labs will play a crucial role in inclusive innovation by starting Atal Tinkering Labs in remote and tribal areas.

The launch was marked by the release of a Coffee Table Book showcasing success stories of student innovators from J&K, followed by the signing of the ATL Sarthi partnership between AIM and the University of Kashmir.