LUCKNOW, May 25 -- Emerging as hubs of innovation, empowerment, and self-confidence for the state's most marginalised children, Uttar Pradesh's Atal Residential Schools are nurturing a new generation of innovators, a government spokesperson said. More than just conventional education centres, these schools are not only setting an example in gender empowerment but also providing a platform for advanced learning in artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, and space science, the spokesperson said. The most striking evidence of this came during the SpaceTech Expo 2025 held at the Atal Residential School in Lucknow on January 25 earlier this year. Students from every division of the state participated, showcasing AI-driven projects, drone applications, and space-related models that stunned the audience with their creativity and technical finesse, according to a press statement. The director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO personally attended the expo, interacted with the children, and honoured them for their ingenuity. He also praised the institutional setup and educational environment of the school. Earlier, several meritorious students were also given the opportunity to visit ISRO's SAC campus, further boosting their curiosity, confidence, and aspirations, the statement said. Currently operational in 17 divisions across the state, these schools have been established especially for children of registered labourers and those rendered destitute during the pandemic. With over 10,947 students enrolled, these institutions ensure equal representation of boys and girls (50:50 ratio), the statement added....