AssisTech Foundation (ATF), is India’s first Assistive Technology (AT) ecosystem that focusses on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by enabling learning, livelihood and living opportunities (3Ls of empowerment). The Bengaluru-based NGO does so by harnessing the power of AT, supporting development of innovative technology products and services.
According to WHO, about 15 per cent of the global population lives with some form of disability, while 90 per cent of people with disabilities in developing countries lack access to necessary AT which, if they had, could have increased employment rates for PwDs by up to 40 per cent (United Nations).
Since inception, ATF has impacted the lives of 900,000 PwDs through its high-impact programmes and initiatives. Supported by corporates like Accenture, Microsoft, HDFC Bank, JP Morgan, Bajaj Finserv, Thompson Reuters & Transworld, the NGO is all geared up to positively impact 5 million people with disabilities in the next three years.
ATF’s core work revolves around the strategic use of AT as a transformative tool for enablement & initiatives focus on addressing the 4As – acceleration, availability, awareness and association of assistive technology-led enablement of persons with disabilities.
Acceleration, as one of the 4A initiatives includes cohort-based start-up acceleration programme, with five completed cohorts and 42 portfolio start-ups. Availability implies developing Adidvara, India’s first curated digital marketplace platform for AT solutions, while awareness points to ATF Awards, India’s first Assistive Technology awards, recognising innovative AT solutions and ecosystem partners. And, association means collaborations with government, educational institutions, NGOs, corporates and impact investors.
The start-up ecosystem in India is flourishing, and ATF sees a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop new solutions that can improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. Under six cohorts, ATF has 54 portfolio start-ups with 49 patents and 110+ AT products. Along with that, it has a strong network of 450+ AT start-ups across the nation and 1,200+ AT start-ups globally. Its 21 portfolio start-ups have together raised Rs50 crore. Backed by over 70 mentors across business, technology and disability inclusion, the foundation addresses 12 disabilities and enabling education, employment, rehabilitation, mobility, independent living, communication, awareness and social inclusion.
ATF spearheads the establishment of India’s first assistive technology-focussed Atal Incubation Centre (AIC), in partnership with NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). This visionary project provides a nurturing environment for AT start-ups, fostering innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship. By harnessing the potential of the vibrant start-up ecosystem in India, ATF aims to drive transformative change and revolutionise accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The NGO is also working closely with the Government of Karnataka to establish Karnataka’s First Centre of Excellence for Assistive Technology Innovation. Besides, it is also working with states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar and Telangana.
Maximising outreach, impact
“Being an ecosystem enabler, we have been working with start-ups and other stakeholders to facilitate the growth of the innovative AT ecosystem,” says Ravi Narayan, co-founder & board member, ATF. “We collaborate with various entities like government, corporates, educational institutions, start-ups and innovators, investors and NGOs, to maximise outreach and impact”.
“We believe that AT can be a catalyst for economic growth and social change and we are committed to supporting start-ups and innovators who share our vision,” adds Narayan, a pioneer in the venture catalyst/start-up accelerator space. “At the same time, we recognise that there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. Access to AT remains a major issue for many people with disabilities in India, particularly in rural areas. We are working to address this through our partnerships with NGOs, government agencies and other organisations, to promote awareness of AT and provide training and support to users and caregivers”.
“ATF does great work for driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of AT,” affirms Krishnakumar Natarajan, co-founder, Mela Ventures & former co-founder, Mindtree. “Its commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities is truly commendable. By hosting events like this Investors Meet, it facilitates vital connections between entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts. This synergy is instrumental in building a funding ecosystem that can turn ideas into reality and transform the lives of millions of people”.
ATF has also co-founded Global Alliance on Assistive Technology Innovations & Investment-inclusive Innovation Network (+N), along with partners across Australia, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The alliance has a network of 1,200+ AT start-ups.