ATL Marathon: Karnataka school has highest finalists from a single school

Excel Public School (EPS), a Karnataka based school has created history at the ATL Marathon 2023-24 edition with the highest number of finalists from a single school in the country.

These projects were developed by groups of two to three students from grades IV – X with the help of mentors. The students brainstormed problem statements based on the ATL Marathon’s theme and were divided into teams according to their areas of interest. On average, each team spent 40-50 hours developing their projects.

These projects were developed at Mysuru-based Excel Public School’s Innovation Centre, a 7,000 sq ft space dedicated to fostering student entrepreneurship and innovation. The center acts as an incubation cell and an accelerator providing access to R&D, design, support for prototype development as well as offers both in-house guidance and internships with leading organizations for its student entrepreneurs.

The ATL Marathon, spearheaded by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, in partnership with UNICEF and YuWaah, is a flagship innovation challenge that invites schools to identify community problems and develop innovative solutions in the form of working prototypes.

This year’s edition saw 19,700 project submissions nationwide and out of which 500 top innovations were selected as finalists. Karnataka emerged as the leading state in the country with the highest number of selected projects among all states, with 84 selected projects. 11 of these 84 selected projects from the state were from Excel Public School.

Shubham Gupta, Innovation Lead at Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said “To recognize their efforts three students, their mentors and the ATL in charge have been invited as special guests by the NITI Aayog and the Prime Minister’s office for the 78th Independence Day celebration from 12th August to 16th August 2024. As special guests they will be attending the celebrations at the Red Fort and shall visit places of national importance.”

Sudhanva, MD & CEO of Excel group said, “These projects not only highlight the students’ ingenuity but also reflect the school’s dedication to nurturing future innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute meaningfully to society. EPS School’s success at the ATL Marathon is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the students, teachers, and the broader school community.”