In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Prateek Madhav, the co-founder and CEO of AssisTech Foundation (ATF), discussed the exceptional growth of India’s assistive technology sector. ATF, a non-profit organisation based in Bengaluru, is dedicated to promoting disability technology start-ups in India.
According to Prateek, the foundation has three main areas of impact. Firstly, they operate an accelerator programme for start-ups in the assistive tech sector, offering mentorship, shared experimental spaces, and support in establishing financially viable organisations.
Secondly, ATF has garnered global attention by collaborating with organisations and groups worldwide. It was the sole enabler of India’s Assistive Tech ecosystem in the Moonshot Disability Accelerator Initiative, a coordinated global disability innovation ecosystem. Additionally, ATF is in the process of establishing a disability impact fund worth USD 20 million to invest in assistive tech start-ups globally.
Thirdly, the foundation is developing an online platform as a one-stop-shop for all assistive tech-related matters. Moreover, ATF hosts an awards event for start-ups in this field.
Prateek highlighted significant advancements in assistive technology areas such as AI for mobility, tools for making physical documents accessible, bionic materials, and alternate communication methods. He also emphasised the impact of the foundation’s awards programme, resulting in innovative collaborations and impactful start-ups that are making a tangible difference in the lives of their beneficiaries.
Prateek cited examples of several startups in ATF’s portfolio, including SHG Technologies, Sociodent, Lifespark Technologies, and Robo Bionics, leading the way in utilising technology to develop solutions for various disabilities.
He also provided insights into initiatives for children with disabilities, such as Vifr Tech’s virtual reality platform for young adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, and CogniAble’s machine learning-driven assistive tech for early detection and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
Prateek shed light on the challenges facing start-ups in the assistive tech space, such as the need for sustained investment, exploring different use cases, and establishing sustained business enterprises. However, he expressed optimism about the future of India’s assistive tech sector, predicting that the country could become the global hub for this technology due to its focus on affordable products and the potential for significant impact in the global south.
In conclusion, Prateek’s insights offer a positive outlook for the future of assistive technology in India and globally.