Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-25 (India)

Youth Co: Lab aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth so that they can accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Focus Areas

• Inclusive Assistive Technology (AT): Assistive Technology includes devices, systems, and services designed to enhance the functional independence and quality of life for PwDs.
  • Examples of Solutions:
    • Mobility Aids: Innovations like smart wheelchairs, prosthetics, or robotic exoskeletons that improve physical mobility.
    • Communication Devices: Voice-to-text converters, alternative communication tools for speech-impaired individuals, or AI-driven hearing aids.
    • Adaptive Tools for Daily Living: Products like smart home solutions that enable independent living for individuals with motor or sensory impairments.
    • Vision Aids: Tools such as wearable devices that provide audio descriptions for the visually impaired or smart glasses for low vision.Youth-led startups (18-29 years; extended to 32 for marginalized groups, including PwDs).
• Accessible Education and Skilling Solutions: This area focuses on innovations that bridge the educational and employment gaps for PwDs, fostering inclusive learning and professional development.
  • Examples of Solutions:
    • EdTech for Inclusion: Digital learning platforms equipped with assistive features like screen readers, sign language support, and closed captions.
    • Skill Development Platforms: Tailored programs providing PwDs with industry-specific skills, including tech certifications or vocational training.
    • Inclusive Classroom Tools: Resources that assist educators in teaching students with diverse abilities, such as adaptive curriculum design or sensory-friendly learning environments.
• Innovative Care Models: This area targets solutions that improve access, affordability, and quality of care services for PwDs, particularly for children and elderly persons with disabilities.
  • Examples of Solutions:
    • Caregiver Training Platforms: Initiatives that provide specialized training, certification, and resources for caregivers, ensuring high-quality care.
    • Remote Monitoring Tools: Technologies enabling remote healthcare consultations, monitoring vital signs, and emergency support for PwDs.
    • Community-Based Care Networks: Solutions that create inclusive, local support systems for PwDs and their families, including respite care and peer-support groups.
    • Affordable Therapy Tools: Development of cost-effective physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or psychological care tools tailored for different disabilities.

Categories

• The Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-2025 in India, held in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF) will focus on empowering young entrepreneurs & entrepreneurs with disabilities innovating for solutions that “Enhance access to opportunities and well-being of Persons with Disabilities”, across the following sub-categories:
  • Inclusive and accessible assistive technology
  • Inclusive educational technology and skilling solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
  • Care services models and solutions for PwDs

Benefits

• Shortlisted Participants of Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge in India 2024-25 will benefit from:
  • National Springboard Programme: Top 35 startups will gain access to a 2 Month virtual incubation program designed to refine their business models, enhance product-market fit, and receive hands-on mentorship from industry leaders, culminating in a comprehensive growth strategy.
  • 5 Day in-person bootcamp: Top 20 startups will be invited to an immersive bootcamp featuring workshops, expert-led sessions, and personalized mentoring, focusing on scaling operations, investment readiness, and strategic partnerships to drive enterprise growth.
  • Regional Recognition: A chance to represent India at the Regional Asia-Pacific Youth Co: Lab Summit. The Regional Youth Co: Lab Summit provides young entrepreneurs with access to technical and business mentors, networking opportunities, and a doorway to learning and acceleration opportunities.

Funding Information

• Seed Grants: Funding opportunities worth INR 1.5 – 2.5 Lacs each for the top 6 startups to foster innovation and provide initial support towards growth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Youth-led startups (18-29 years; extended to 32 for marginalized groups, including PwDs).
• Solution that addresses one or more of this year’s focus areas: Inclusive Assistive Technology, Accessible Education and Skilling, or Innovative Care Models.
• The startup/team, if incorporated, should be less than 5 years old, i.e. the formation of the founding team/startup should be during or after December 2019. Must have a working prototype or product ready for deployment.
• They encourage:
  • Ideas/solutions that are viable and scalable.
  • Startup teams led by Women, SOGIE / LGBTI+ individuals, persons with disabilities (PwDs), Tribal youth, Dalit youth, individuals from marginalized castes, and religious minorities. Therefore, for them, the age limit of the founders is extended up to 32 years.

For more information, visit Atal Innovation Mission.