Hyderabad: Telangana launched its first ATL Sarthi and Mentor India Academy on Saturday to strengthen the school-to-startup innovation ecosystem. The ATL Sarthi launch will provide structured mentorship and institutional support to hundreds of school innovation labs.
The Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog introduced the initiative at Vardhaman College of Engineering. Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla attended as chief guest, while Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also joined the event.
The programme will support 379 Atal Tinkering Labs across Telangana through regional clusters. Each cluster will connect with nodal institutions to ensure consistent mentoring. As a result, students will gain the ability to convert ideas into practical solutions and entrepreneurial ventures aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The Governor said the ATL Sarthi launch will strengthen the foundation of innovation in schools. He added that linking students with institutions of excellence will improve their problem-solving ability. Moreover, he said such exposure will help them address real-world challenges.
ATL Sarthi launch builds student innovation ecosystem
Shiv Pratap Shukla said the programme will empower students to think creatively and contribute to nation-building. He added that such initiatives are essential for preparing a confident and future-ready generation.
Vardhaman College of Engineering will serve as the nodal institution for Telangana. It will offer technical guidance, mentorship and teacher training. In addition, it will support incubation and entrepreneurship activities for students.
Special Chief Secretary to the Governor M. Dana Kishore said India’s rise as a global innovation leader depends on young talent. He noted that the programme enables students across regions to access mentorship and develop practical skills.
Furthermore, he said the initiative creates a continuum from school education to entrepreneurship. Therefore, it will allow broader participation in India’s growth and innovation ecosystem.
ATL Sarthi launch connects schools with national mission
Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission Deepak Bagla said the programme aims to foster a culture where innovation begins early. He explained that consistent nurturing of ideas is necessary to move students from ideation to impact.
He added that stronger linkages between schools, institutions and the wider ecosystem will build a steady talent pipeline. Consequently, this will contribute to India’s competitiveness and self-reliance.
The ATL Sarthi launch will also expose students to emerging technologies and structured problem-solving methods. It will focus on scaling innovations while strengthening teacher capacity and institutional support within schools.
The Telangana rollout forms part of a wider national programme under the Atal Innovation Mission. More than 15,000 Atal Tinkering Labs already operate across India. Through collaboration between government, academia and industry, the mission aims to build regional innovation hubs and nurture future entrepreneurs.