With a mission to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, NITI Aayog along with Intel, by signing a two-year statement of intent (SOI) plans to create the best tinkering labs for children in the country.

India is in dire need of world class incubation centers which should be spread across various parts of India, consisting of proper infrastructure and experts for mentoring start-up businesses. It is also important to develop an ecosystem by strengthening ties between corporates, incubation centers and universities.

In a focus group discussions between NITI Ayog and Intel, for “Creating a framework for operationalising 500 Atal tinkering labs”, the goverment decided to create a million child innovators.

“NITI Aayog to sow spirit of innovation in #schools with Atal Tinkering Labs! Signs SoI with @intel #AIMtoInnovate” read NITI Ayog’s Twitter account.

Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Ayog said, “If we need to grow at 10% for the next 30 years, we have to make innovators of our school children.”

“The Atal Tinkering Labs will provide school students the opportunity to work with tools and equipments, fostering innovation. Students will also be able to exchange knowledge and learn from one another through regional and national-level competitions, exhibitions, workshops on problem solving, designing and fabrication of products, so that,” Kant added.

There are about 240 incubation centres and 17 STEPs that have been established in India. There are equipment like 3D printers, robotics kits, microcontrollers, sensors, electrical and mechanical tools.

Schools will be managing operations of tinkering labs with the help of volunteers and mentors. For 5 years, AIM will financially support them.

“Tinkering laboratories are workspaces where young minds can work with equipments to understand the concepts of STEM and develop products. They can transform their ideas into reality and learn innovative skills.” tweeted NITI Ayog.

Intel India tweeted, “@NITIAayog & Intel sign ‘Statement of Intent’ to kick-off Tinker Lab initiative. #AIMtoInnovate.”

Rosalind Hudnell, President, Intel Foundation said, “It’s more important now than ever to invest in youth & innovation.”