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India's AI Strength Lies in Connected Ecosystems, Says Atal Innovation Mission

Deepak Bagla of NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission stated that India's strength in AI will stem from connected ecosystems, transforming AI into a national movement. The AI Impact Summit 2026 featured the AI Tinkerpreneur Showcase, where 50 student teams from Atal Tinkering Labs presented AI solutions for real-world challenges. The event also highlighted the 'AI by HER' segment, showcasing girl innovators overcoming barriers. This participation demonstrates the alignment between grassroots innovation and India's broader AI vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Points: India's AI Leadership Through Connected Ecosystems

  • Connected ecosystems over isolated breakthroughs
  • AI Tinkerpreneur showcases student innovations
  • Grassroots and policy alignment for AI
  • Empowering young innovators nationwide
2 min read

India's strength in AI will come from connected ecosystems: Atal Innovation Mission's Deepak Bagla

Atal Innovation Mission's Deepak Bagla says India's AI strength comes from connected ecosystems, not isolated breakthroughs, driving Viksit Bharat 2047.

"When these connections come together with purpose, AI stops being a tool and becomes a national movement. - Deepak Bagla"

New Delhi, Feb 18

India's strength in AI will not come from isolated breakthroughs, but from connected ecosystems, NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission, Director Deepak Bagla said on Wednesday.

At Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), "we are building bridges between startups and mentors, innovators and investors, policy and practice", he added.

"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 PM Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," Bagla said during the 'AI Impact Summit 2026'.

Atal Innovation Mission has played a significant role at the Summit, highlighting how India's artificial intelligence journey is being shaped simultaneously at the grassroots and policy levels.

The 'AI Tinkerpreneur Showcase' had 50 student teams from Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country, who presented AI-driven innovations addressing real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, accessibility, education, and public service delivery.

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.

It witnessed participation from over 12,000 student teams from across India, according to a NITI Aayog statement.

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'.

Another 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.

According to the official statement, 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Fantastic to see 12,000 student teams participating! When you ignite curiosity in children, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, you build the foundation for true innovation. My niece is in an ATL and her confidence has soared.
R
Rohit P
Connecting policy with practice is key. Often, great ideas from students and startups get lost because they don't know how to navigate the system or find investors. AIM building these bridges is crucial for Viksit Bharat.
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Sarah B
While the vision is commendable, execution is everything. I hope this isn't just another summit with speeches. The real test is sustained support for these 50 student teams beyond the showcase—funding, mentorship, and market access.
K
Karthik V
Focus on agriculture and healthcare AI by students is brilliant. These are our core challenges. A national movement in AI must solve *our* problems first, not just mimic the West. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
The scale of this is amazing. 50 teams selected from over 12,000 from across the country! It shows the depth of talent we have when given a platform. More power to the girl innovators in 'AI by HER'! đź‘Ź

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