Landmark step for global innovation
Dharmendra Pradhan Opens Atal Innovation Centre in UAE: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre (AIC) at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus during his two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates on September 10–11, 2025. This marks the expansion of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) beyond India’s borders.
The centre is designed to serve as a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange. It strengthens cooperation between Indian and Emirati academic institutions and supports India’s effort to expand its global education presence.
Static GK fact: AIM was launched by the NITI Aayog in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Academic initiatives at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi
At the inauguration, Minister Pradhan launched two major programs:
- Ph.D. in Energy and Sustainability
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
He encouraged students and faculty to leverage the innovation ecosystem for solving global challenges and building entrepreneurial ventures.
Static GK fact: IIT Delhi established its Abu Dhabi campus in 2024 as part of India–UAE education cooperation.
Strengthening India–UAE education ties
Minister Pradhan held talks with Sara Musallam, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). Key areas of discussion included:
- Expansion of Indian curriculum-based schools in the UAE.
- Setting up Atal Innovation Labs in Emirati schools, modeled on India’s Atal Tinkering Labs.
- Enhancing student and teacher exchanges between the two countries.
- Recognition of educational qualifications for smoother mobility.
- Alignment with NEP 2020 to build a modern education framework.
He underlined that education is a vital pillar of the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Static GK Tip: The India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in 2017 during PM Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
Global reach of Atal Innovation Mission
The Atal Innovation Mission provides platforms such as:
- Atal Tinkering Labs for school innovation.
- Atal Incubation Centres for startups.
- Sectoral innovation hubs for advanced research.
With the new Abu Dhabi centre, AIM extends its model globally, offering a blueprint for international academic–innovation collaboration. This strengthens India’s position as a knowledge and innovation leader.
Static GK fact: India and UAE are among the top trading partners, with bilateral trade crossing USD 85 billion in 2022–23.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Dharmendra Pradhan Opens Atal Innovation Centre in UAE:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Launch of first overseas Atal Innovation Centre |
| Location | IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi Campus, UAE |
| Date | September 10–11, 2025 |
| Launched by | Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Education Minister |
| Initiative | Extension of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) abroad |
| Key Academic Programs | Ph.D. in Energy & Sustainability, B.Tech in Chemical Engineering |
| Partner Authority | Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) |
| Policy Link | National Education Policy (NEP 2020) |
| AIM Platforms | Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, sectoral hubs |
| Strategic Tie | India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership |
