India’s Atal Innovation Centre

India has officially launched its first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus in September 2025, during Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit to the UAE.

This initiative not only enhances India-UAE education collaboration but also showcases India’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, research, and academic excellence.

What is the Atal Innovation Centre?

The Atal Innovation Centre is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative of the Government of India designed to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development across various sectors.

AIM India aims to build a strong startup ecosystem UAE and beyond, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. With the establishment of the first overseas Atal Innovation Centre, AIM’s reach has expanded globally, creating a robust innovation hub that India can be proud of.

The Atal Innovation Centre serves as a research centre and startup hub, encouraging collaboration between Indian and Emirati academic institutions. It acts as a global innovation hub where knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial mentoring, and cutting-edge research converge.

Academic Programmes Launched at the Atal Innovation Centre

The Atal Innovation Centre Abu Dhabi campus has introduced two key academic programmes:

1. PhD in Energy and Sustainability, UAE

   • Focuses on renewable energy and environmental solutions.

   • Prepares students to tackle global energy and sustainability challenges through educational innovation UAE.

2. B.Tech Chemical Engineer, Abu Dhabi

   • Designed to produce skilled engineers for industry and research.

   • Supports India’s mission to expand its global innovation footprint in technical education.

These programmes aim to nurture talent capable of contributing to India’s and the UAE’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Bilateral Educational Cooperation

During his visit, Minister Pradhan met Ms. Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Key discussions included:

• Expanding Indian curriculum schools in the UAE to benefit the Indian diaspora.

• Establishing Atal Tinkering Labs in UAE schools, modeled after India’s Atal Innovation Centre framework.

• Promoting student and teacher exchange programmes, curriculum development, and mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

This cooperation aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 innovation, emphasizing research, innovation, and international collaboration.

Significance of the Atal Innovation Centre and AIM

The Atal Innovation Mission supports startups, research centres, and entrepreneurship initiatives through platforms like Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres. By setting up the Atal Innovation Centre Abu Dhabi campus, India demonstrates its leadership in fostering a knowledge-based economy and enhancing India-UAE education collaboration.

The Atal Innovation Centre also strengthens India’s global innovation footprint expansion, showcasing its commitment to nurturing talent, encouraging entrepreneurship, and developing a robust startup hub in partnership with international institutions.

Indian Educational Presence in the UAE

India’s educational presence in the UAE continues to grow, with institutions like Symbiosis University Dubai campus marking milestones in international education. These expansions facilitate cultural exchange, provide quality education, and integrate India’s innovation ecosystem with the startup ecosystem UAE.

Key Takeaways for SSC Aspirants

• Focus Keyword: Atal Innovation Centre

• Related Keywords: Innovation centre, AIM India, Atal Innovation Mission, Atal Incubation Centre, Startup hub, Research centre, Innovation hub India, Educational innovation UAE, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi, India UAE education, PhD in energy and sustainability UAE, BTech chemical engineering Abu Dhabi, Atal Tinkering Labs in UAE schools, National Education Policy 2020 innovation, India’s global innovation footprint expansion.

Important Points for SSC Exams:

• First overseas Atal Innovation Centre launched at IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus in Sept 2025.

• Focus on research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

• PhD and BTech programmes in energy, sustainability, and chemical engineering.

• India-UAE educational collaboration, Atal Tinkering Labs, and curriculum development.

• Aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizing global collaboration.

Final Thoughts

India expanded its global innovation footprint by inaugurating its first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus in September 2025. This centre, part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), serves as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. It aims to strengthen India-UAE educational collaboration and promote innovation, skill development, and academic excellence.

The centre has launched a PhD programme in Energy and Sustainability UAE and a BTech in Chemical Engineering in Abu Dhabi, preparing students to tackle global challenges.

Discussions with UAE authorities also plan for Atal Tinkering Labs in Indian schools across the Emirates, fostering hands-on learning and innovation. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, this initiative highlights India’s commitment to global academic partnerships and expanding its innovation ecosystem.