AT2030 launches innovative startup accelerator dedicated to early-stage assistive technology ventures in Asia
According to the 2011 Census, India had 26.8 million disabled people, accounting for about 2.2 per cent of the population - experts estimate the number of people with disabilities to be much higher, between 100 million and 200 million. A report by WHO-UNICEF, released in 2022, revealed that access to assistive technology in countries like India can be as low as 3%.
We know that to embed disability innovation into national policy landscapes, we must stimulate demand, activate country pilots and create enabling market environments. We also need a pipeline of products and services - which meets the needs of the region and can provide locally focused solutions to unique challenges. As we come to the conclusion of our current AT2030 programme we are delighted to launch a new Asian based accelerator.
In the heart of India's burgeoning tech landscape, the Global Disability Innovation Hub, IIT Delhi and Manush Labs new innovative startup accelerator will be dedicated to early-stage assistive technology ventures and inclusive solutions.
Titled Attvaran - the intense three-month accelerator aims to boost early-stage entrepreneurs in transforming solutions into compelling businesses. The programme will include expert talks, time-bound exercises, bespoke mentorship and building a network to a prolific ecosystem of entrepreneurs, disability and tech experts, assistive technology users, customers and investors.
We are seeking startups, designs, entrepreneurs and researchers with a solution that address a critical problem faced by persons with a disability. These solutions should be focused on making our world more inclusive for everyone, especially underserved communities across Asia.
The Attvaran - part of GDI Accelerate and funded by UK aid's AT2030 programme - will support new solutions and scaling of technologies across Asia, while building knowledge transfer across the wider AT2030 programme.
Delivery partners include IIT Delhi (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi - one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research and development in science, engineering and technology in India), and Manush Labs (who born at MIT and Harvard, find inspiration in human-centred/people-driven initiatives undertaken at the robust and inclusive entrepreneurship of the international startup ecosystem to combat social inequalities and injustices in the world).