IFCCI and NITI Aayog’s AIM Forge Partnership to Boost STEM and Innovation in India

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and promote equitable access to STEM education, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, have officially signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on September 19, 2025. The signing, held at the Embassy of France in New Delhi, took place during the 3rd Edition of IFCCI CSR Connect Day 2025, an event themed “Collaborating for Scale – Cross-Sectoral Partnerships for Sustainable Development.”

The ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, who praised IFCCI’s sustained efforts in building impactful Indo-French partnerships for social good. The event drew participation from over 100 delegates, including Indian and French corporate leaders, diplomats, government officials, non-profit representatives, and CSR experts—all united by a common goal: to drive sustainable, scalable, and innovation-led social impact.

A Shared Vision for Innovation and Inclusion

The newly signed SoI sets the stage for a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing STEM education, digital literacy, and innovation-driven learning in India’s schools. Through IFCCI’s vast Indo-French corporate network, the partnership seeks to mobilize CSR investments and corporate expertise to support Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs)—NITI Aayog’s flagship program to nurture innovation among young students.

By focusing on curriculum enrichment, teacher training, and industry-school collaboration, the partnership aims to strengthen innovation infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions. IFCCI member companies, along with implementing partners, will help scale ATL initiatives nationwide through CSR interventions, ensuring that innovation becomes an inclusive and sustainable movement across India.

Diplomacy Meets Development: France’s Commitment to Innovation

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Thierry Mathou lauded the partnership as a model of Indo-French cooperation extending beyond trade and technology into social innovation and human development. He noted that 2026 has been declared the India-France Year of Innovation, to be jointly commemorated by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.

“The IFCCI CSR Connect platform has become vital to advancing Indo-French collaboration in social impact. As we look to 2026, our vision of innovation goes beyond technology—it includes social progress as a cornerstone. CSR offers businesses a chance to show leadership in sustainability and inclusive growth,” he remarked.

AIM’s Expanding Innovation Ecosystem

Shri Deepak Bagla, Mission Director of AIM, NITI Aayog, highlighted how India’s grassroots innovation ecosystem has already reached millions.

“From the remotest schools in the Himalayas to coastal Tamil Nadu, innovation is alive in every district. AIM has empowered over 11 million student entrepreneurs, becoming one of the world’s largest innovation networks. Our partnership with IFCCI will deepen this reach, enabling students across India to embrace creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship,” he said.

AIM’s Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) currently operate in over 10,000 schools across India, introducing students to robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and IoT-based solutions. The collaboration with IFCCI will enhance these initiatives through international partnerships, mentorship programs, and industry-led innovation challenges.

IFCCI’s Expanding CSR Footprint

Since its inception in 2023, the IFCCI CSR Department has implemented 86 social impact projects, benefiting over 15,000 individuals nationwide. These projects span education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, livelihood generation, and clean energy, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the signing, Ms. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General of IFCCI, said:

“This partnership represents our commitment to empowering India’s youth with 21st-century skills. By bridging the gap between industry and education, we aim to make innovation accessible to every child, particularly those from underserved communities.”

Ms. Kanwar emphasized that IFCCI’s member network—comprising leading French and Indian companies—will play a pivotal role in building innovation infrastructure, funding learning programs, and promoting corporate mentorship in schools.

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership

1. STEM Education and ATL Enhancement: Expanding the reach and quality of Atal Tinkering Labs, introducing students to emerging technologies and hands-on experimentation.

2. Teacher Capacity Building: Conducting training programs and workshops to help educators adopt innovation-based pedagogies.

3. Innovation Challenges and Mentorship: Organizing joint Indo-French innovation contests to nurture problem-solving and cross-border collaboration among students.

4. Sustainable CSR Interventions: Leveraging CSR funding to create scalable, measurable, and community-driven impact across education and digital inclusion sectors.

A Step Toward an Innovation-Led Bharat

The IFCCI–AIM collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to building an inclusive, innovation-driven India. By combining the reach of government-led initiatives with the resources and networks of global industry, the partnership is set to bridge the gap between innovation and social impact.

As India and France prepare to celebrate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, this initiative stands as a symbol of global partnership, social purpose, and collective progress—empowering the next generation of thinkers, creators, and changemakers.