Atal Innovation Mission showcases ATL students-led grassroots AI innovation, thought leadership at India AI Impact Summit 2026

NITI Aayog Atal Innovation Mission showcases ATL students-led grassroots AI innovation, thought leadership at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Posted On: 18 FEB 2026 4:27PM by PIB Delhi Atal Innovation Mission, under NITI Aayog, played a significant role at the India AI Impact Summit, highlighting how India’s artificial intelligence journey is being shaped simultaneously at the grassroots and policy levels.

At the heart of this momentum was the AI Tinkerpreneur Showcase, where 50 student teams from Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country presented AI-driven innovations addressing real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, accessibility, education, and public service delivery. The showcase demonstrated how school-level AI innovation is increasingly aligned with India’s national priorities.

AI Tinkerpreneur, a flagship initiative of AIM implemented in collaboration with Intel, is designed to strengthen AI competencies, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking among school students. The programme encourages young innovators to identify real-world challenges and develop scalable, technology-driven solutions using AI tools and methodologies.

This year, AI Tinkerpreneur witnessed participation from over 12,000 student teams from across India.

Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, the top 50 teams were selected from across the length and breadth of the country to present their innovations at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

A special highlight of the Summit was the AI by HER segment, where girl innovators from ATLs shared their journeys of building AI solutions, overcoming barriers, and emerging as confident contributors to India’s AI ecosystem. Their innovations reflected key national priorities, including food security and safety, accessible and affordable healthcare, and the spirit of Vocal for Local by strengthening indigenous innovation and self-reliance. Their voices reinforced the importance of inclusive participation in shaping the future of AI.

A defining moment of national pride was witnessed when an ATL student innovator took a pledge alongside the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolising the collective commitment of India’s youth towards responsible AI innovation and nation-building.

Alongside the strong student engagement, AIM also contributed to high-level policy and ecosystem dialogues at the Summit. Representing AIM, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, participated in two strategic panel discussions , “Shaping Resilient Futures in the Age of AI:

Leadership for the Technology, Energy, and Security Transitions” and “Investing in Bharat: Regional AI Hubs and Inclusive Growth.” Through these engagements, AIM underscored the importance of resilience, decentralised innovation, and inclusive growth in shaping India’s AI future.Speaking at the Summit during panel discussions, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said, “India’s strength in AI will not come from isolated breakthroughs, but from connected ecosystems. At Atal Innovation Mission, we are building bridges between startups and mentors, innovators and investors, policy and practice. When these connections come together with purpose, AI stops being a tool and becomes a national movement. That is how India will not just use AI, but lead the world with it to deliver Hon’ble PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.” The participation of Atal Tinkering Labs at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 reflects the strong alignment between grassroots innovation and India’s broader AI vision, demonstrating how young innovators from classrooms across the country are actively contributing to the nation’s innovation and entrepreneurship journey.

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