Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – NITI Aayog has launched ATL Sarthi, a comprehensive self-monitoring framework to strengthen the ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in schools. 

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. 

AIM, NITI Aayog is a government-led think tank in India.

So far AIM has funded 10,000 ATLs to promote innovative and creative mindset among young students and to inculcate skills such as computational thinking, physical computing, adaptive learning and design thinking. Jammu & Kashmir was the first to establish Atal Tinkering Labs in India. 

AIM is continuously strengthening this ecosystem by developing tools and framework to enhance the performance of ATLs and achieve the desired objectives. ATL Sarthi is one such initiative in this direction.

ATL Sarthi was launched to enhance the performance of ATLs and achieve the desired objectives. It aims to develop tools and framework to enhance the performance of ATLs. 

Four pillars of ATL Sarthi
The four pillars of ATL Sarthi are:

MyATL Dashboar: AIM has developed a self-reporting dashboard known as the “MyATL Dashboard” to track the performance of ATLs. The dashboard is designed to provide real-time information on the activities and achievements of each ATL. The schools can self-report on their progress and accomplishments, which can be analyzed by the authorities to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each ATL.
Compliance SOPs: AIM has developed a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for schools to ensure financial and non-financial compliance. These SOPs ensure that the ATLs comply with the rules and regulations set by AIM and the government. This step will ensure that the funds allocated for the ATLs are spent efficiently.
Cluster-based approach: AIM has introduced a cluster-based approach to enhance the performance of ATLs. This approach involves forming clusters of 20-30 ATLs in a particular region. These ATLs can learn from each other through training, collaborations, events, and best practices. The ATL Cluster aims to provide a self-sustainable model for enablement and monitoring, wherein the ATLs and local authorities work in tandem with each other on-ground.
Performance-enablement matrix: AIM has provided ownership to schools to analyze their performance through a Performance-Enablement (PE) Matrix. This matrix will enable schools to assess their performance and take corrective measures, if needed. The schools can use this matrix to evaluate their progress and achievements and improve their performance.

 
AIM, NITI Aayog announced the launch of applications for Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) in December 2022.

Key Takeaways

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – NITI Aayog has launched ATL Sarthi
• ATL Sarthi is a comprehensive self-monitoring framework to strengthen the ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in schools.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog 
• So far AIM has funded 10,000 ATLs
• Jammu & Kashmir was the first to establish Atal Tinkering Labs in India.