2023 AssisTech Foundation Awards for Startups (India)

An accolade that recognizes unsung heroes who aim to make a change in the lives of people with disabilities across the globe by leveraging assistive technology. This year the celebration of the efforts of Assistive Technology Startups will be much more impactful because apart from recognition and an accolade, startups will also get a chance to win prizes worth up to INR 5 Lacs!!

Categories

The AssisTech Foundation is introducing 10 awards in 3 categories to recognize not just the start-ups, but the ecosystem enablers like corporates, NGOs, governments, educational institutions and investors that have leveraged the power of assistive technology to drive change in lives of people with disabilities.

• Emerging Startups
  • Creativity and innovation are absolutely necessary for long-lasting social change and ATF looks to foster an environment that promotes just that. Emerging startups category aims to reward the ingenuity and passion that are the backbone of their collective mission to empower persons of disability, thereby acting as a source of inspiration and motivation to think differently and look for opportunities where others may see a roadblock. It’s an award that recognises young start-ups that are showing immense skill and innovation in creating assistive technology with the potential for large scale impact.The Emerging start-up category includes:
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) Start up for Innovation (Product Technology)
      • This award will recognize startup up to 2 years of age that is building a valuable assistive technology product and that has potential to create large scale impact.
• Established Startups
  • Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. It is truly magical that we are in an age where many paths that are closed due to disability can be opened with innovative technology. Through this category, ATF Awards celebrates these magicians who have worked tirelessly to create impactful innovations and the meaningful change they have brought about will create ripples of hope and empowerment in the community.
  • Established Start-Ups category rewards assistive technology start-ups that have significantly impacted the lives of persons with disabilities. The category includes:
    • Jury’s Choice for Best Assistive Technology(AT) Start up
      • The startup that has displayed the greatest growth and impact through its innovation and has the potential to become a blue-chip corporation
    • Most impactful Assistive Technology(AT) start up
      • This award seeks to recognize the startup that has achieved visible impact by developing, and implementing AT solutions to solve the problems of disability and beyond
    • Women Ahead: Best Woman-led Assistive Technology(AT) start up
      • An AT startup launched and led by a woman that demonstrates superior impact
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) Start Up: People’s Choice
      • A startup that deserves the recognition from community and people it serves for AT innovation that is easy to use, value for money and has brought welcome change in the life of the user
• Enablers
  • At a micro level, assistive technology improves an individual’s employment opportunities, acceptance into educational institutes, emotional status and social life but if they look at it from a broader perspective, mobilizing a community of people with disabilities and giving them tools to learn and earn, can only aid in the development and growth of nations. In fact, the United Nations suggests that leaving people with disabilities out of the economy may result in as much as 7% loss of GDP in India. Hence, the work of entities within the assistive technology universe impacts not only the individuals of the community but the nation as a whole. While many assistive technology start-ups have phenomenal potential to create an impact, they lack funding, mentorship and access to communities of persons with disabilities. Hence, they found that the assistive technology ecosystem is incomplete without enablers who can promote and support the development of innovations. This category includes:
    • Best Government Assistive Technology(AT) Initiative
      • This award will be given to the respective Government which has not only created awareness about assistive technology but also implemented strategy to create sustainable impact
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) Initiative among Educational Institutes
      • This award will be given to the respective Education Institute which has not only created awareness about assistive technology but also implemented strategy to create sustainable impact
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) initiative among NGOs
      • This award will be given to the respective NGO which has not only created awareness about assistive technology but also implemented strategy to create sustainable impact
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) Investor of the Year
      • An individual or company that has displayed the best investment acumen. This could be, for example, as an early investment of a notable AT startup, percentage of portfolio used for AT startup, exit, or realization of earlier investment, etc.
    • Best Assistive Technology(AT) CSR initiative of the year
      • This award will be given to the respective CSR which has not only created awareness about assistive technology but also implemented strategy to create sustainable impact.

Who can apply?

• Startups who are helping people with disabilities by leveraging Assistive Technologies. They need to be a registered company under Govt of India. Startups falling under pre revenue stage or product development/prototype stage can also apply.
• Government departments – both central & state who have taken Assistive Technology based initiatives for people with disabilities.
• NGOs registered under the Govt of India,  working for the welfare of people with disabilities by leveraging Assistive Technology.
• Corporates who have launched CSR initiatives around Assistive Technology that can benefit people with disabilities.
• Investors – both individuals and organizations who have invested in Assistive Technology Startups.
• Educational Institutions (needs to be located in India) – colleges or universities who have taken initiatives to promote Assistive Technology to benefit students with disabilities.
• Please note that last year’s winners cannot apply for the awards this year.

For more information, visit AssisTech Foundation.