Nationwide STEM Challenge Engages Over 10,000 Schools in Hands-On Learning

Mega Tinkering Day 2025 Showcases Scale and Impact of School-Based Innovation

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative launched by NITI Aayog in 2016, continues to redefine India’s innovation landscape by fostering creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking across schools, universities, and underserved communities. With a vision to build a culture of inclusive innovation, AIM has steadily expanded its reach through structured programmes that empower learners and grassroots innovators alike.

Among its most recognised efforts is the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) programme, dedicated innovation workspaces established in schools for students aged 12 to 18. These labs are equipped with cutting-edge tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, and electronics, enabling hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the institutional level, AIM supports Atal Incubation Centres (AICs), which provide mentorship, funding, and infrastructure to early-stage startups, nurturing scalable ventures across diverse sectors. Complementing these are the Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs), which extend innovation support to remote and underserved regions, helping grassroots innovators access resources, networks, and market linkages.

In addition to these core programmes, AIM runs national initiatives such as Mentor India and the Atal New India Challenges, which connect innovators with domain experts and promote applied research to address sector-specific challenges. Recent efforts have also included promoting vernacular innovation through collaborations with platforms like Bhashini and organising large-scale events such as Mega Tinkering Day, an initiative that exemplifies AIM’s commitment to experiential learning and nationwide engagement.

On 12 August 2025, AIM organised “Mega Tinkering Day 2025,” described as the first nationwide innovation movement of its kind. Held virtually and simultaneously across the country, the event brought together more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs from all 35 states and Union Territories. According to official reports, 4,73,350 students from 9,467 ATL-equipped schools participated in a hands-on challenge to design and build a DIY vacuum cleaner using everyday lab materials. A live, step-by-step online instructional session guided the process, enabling students to collaborate in real time regardless of their location.

Participation spanned the length and breadth of India, from Leh, Ladakh, and Kargil in the north to Kanniyakumari in the south, Bhuj and Kutch in the west, and remote districts in the Northeast, including Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Even schools in aspirational districts such as Virudhunagar were reported to have joined the initiative. In a gesture of solidarity and shared learning, the AIM team also took part, building their vacuum cleaner alongside the students.

Mission Director Deepak Bagla described the event as a milestone demonstration of the power of grassroots innovation. He noted that in a single synchronised hour, lakhs of students across the country had built, learned, and innovated together, adding that no other country had mobilised innovation on such a scale within its school ecosystem. Since its inception, AIM has established more than 10,000 ATLs in schools nationwide, equipping them with tools such as 3D printers, robotics kits, and IoT devices to promote creativity and problem-solving. Mega Tinkering Day was positioned not only as a launchpad for the upcoming academic year’s ATL activities but also as a rallying point for students, teachers, mentors, industry partners, and higher education institutions. Through initiatives like these, AIM envisions nurturing a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to building a “Viksit Bharat,” with today’s classrooms shaping the solutions of tomorrow. Mega Tinkering Day 2025 stands as a testament to India’s growing capacity to democratise innovation and inspire young minds at scale.

Editor’s Note

Mega Tinkering Day 2025, a nationwide initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), marks a significant milestone in India's educational and innovation journey. This event showcased the immense potential of experiential learning when implemented on a large scale across various regions and student demographics. By involving over 4.7 lakh students from 9,467 schools in a collective, practical challenge to construct a DIY vacuum cleaner, the initiative successfully transformed abstract STEM principles into concrete, collaborative problem-solving opportunities. These initiatives are more than just symbolic; they actively foster a mindset of inquiry, experimentation, and resilience in students aged 12 to 18. Within Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), structured activities expose learners to practical tools like 3D printers, robotics kits, and IoT devices. This hands-on experience allows them to transcend traditional textbook learning and delve into applied innovation. Furthermore, Mega Tinkering Day's guided instructional format, delivered virtually and simultaneously across all states and Union Territories, guaranteed equitable access to mentorship and peer learning, regardless of geographical location or existing infrastructure. The initiative has been crucial in developing students' critical thinking, teamwork, and design skills, essential for academic success and future entrepreneurship. Students have learned problem analysis, collaboration, and effective design, abilities vital for their studies and careers.AIM successfully included students from remote areas, aspirational districts, and underserved communities, demonstrating its commitment to equal opportunity and talent support regardless of background. This promotes equitable access to innovation and learning. AIM team's involvement in the challenge fostered excitement and learning, promoting idea sharing and collaboration between institutional leaders and students. This co-creation and mutual learning made the event impactful. Mega Tinkering Day is now a crucial kickoff for ATL activities, uniting schools to promote creativity and innovation. It demonstrates how collaboration among schools, students, and leaders creates a strong environment for new ideas.

According to Skoobuzz, the event is helping students gain the confidence to imagine, design, and build solutions to real-world problems. Allowing them to learn through hands-on activities gives them practical experience that they can use in the future. Mega Tinkering Day is building the skills and mindset needed for a generation that will be ready to face challenges, create solutions, and contribute to a self-reliant future.