India’s First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre
India expanded its innovation landscape globally by inaugurating its first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus in September 2025. This landmark event was led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initiative aims to strengthen educational ties, promote innovation, and encourage academic excellence between India and the UAE.
Atal Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi
The Atal Innovation Centre is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship programme of the Government of India to boost innovation and entrepreneurship. This centre represents AIM’s first step beyond Indian borders. It will act as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. The centre encourages collaboration between Indian and Emirati academic institutions and supports the global innovation ecosystem.
Academic Programmes Launched
Two key academic programmes were launched at the centre. The first is a Ph.D. programme in Energy and Sustainability, focusing on research in renewable energy and environmental solutions. The second is a B.Tech programme in Chemical Engineering, designed to develop skilled engineers for industry and research. These programmes aim to nurture talent that can address global challenges through innovation.
Bilateral Educational Cooperation
Minister Pradhan held discussions with Ms Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The talks focused on expanding Indian curriculum schools in the UAE to serve the Indian diaspora better. Plans were made to establish Atal Innovation Labs in Indian schools across the Emirates, modelled after India’s Atal Tinkering Labs. The dialogue also covered enhancing student and teacher exchange programmes, curriculum development, and mutual recognition of academic qualifications.
Alignment with National Education Policy
The cooperation aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises innovation, research, and international collaboration. Both sides agreed on synchronising education reforms to support skill development and academic excellence. This alignment strengthens the India-UAE partnership in education and innovation.
Significance of the Atal Innovation Mission
Launched by the Government of India, AIM promotes innovation through various platforms such as Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres. It supports startups, research, and entrepreneurship across sectors. The Abu Dhabi centre extends AIM’s reach globally, showcasing India’s commitment to encouraging a knowledge economy and international academic partnerships.
Indian Educational Presence in the UAE
The visit also included attending the first anniversary of Symbiosis University’s Dubai campus. This marks the growing presence of Indian higher education institutions in the Gulf region. Such expansions enhance cultural exchange and provide quality education to Indian and international students abroad.
| Related | |
|---|---|
