ATF’s Mission: Bridging the Tech Gap for Inclusivity
Founded by Prateek Madhav, the Assistive Technology Foundation (ATF) in Bengaluru is working to make India more inclusive through technological innovation. ATF’s mission hit a milestone with a partnership with the Karnataka government to establish a first-of-its-kind Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology, specifically designed to support people with disabilities.
Prateek Madhav, founder of the Assistive Technology Foundation.
From Corporate Life to Social Impact
Madhav’s shift from a successful corporate career to the social impact sector stemmed from a key realization: the core issue isn’t disability itself but a lack of accessibility. Witnessing the challenges during the Blind Cricket World Cup in 2016, an event he helped organize, solidified his resolve. He observed that while technological advancements were rapid, the solutions for people with disabilities remained either unavailable or unaffordable in India. Speaking about the issue, Madhav stated, “The real challenge is the lack of an ecosystem that fosters innovation and ensures assistive technology reaches the people who need it.”
ATF’s Role in the Ecosystem
Founded in 2019, ATF acts as a crucial enabler, linking innovators with the necessary funding, mentorship, and distribution networks. Unlike traditional programs, ATF adopts a market-driven approach, focusing on technology that is both sustainable and scalable. The company’s goal is to “bridge this gap by enabling startups to build, test, and scale their solutions,” as Madhav explained.
Karnataka at the Forefront
Karnataka, a hub of technological innovation, represents a mixed landscape of inclusivity. While the state has taken initiatives like implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and improving public spaces, Madhav acknowledges the existing need for improvement.
Sharing his observations, Madhav stated, “In Bengaluru, we have ramps in Metro stations, but what about the last mile? Can a person with a disability commute independently from the station to their workplace?”
Addressing the Employment Gap
Beyond infrastructure, the employment rate for people with disabilities remains a concern. While multinational corporations (MNCs) have diversity hiring programs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where most jobs are found, are still lagging in integrating accessibility into their hiring practices.
Funding and Government Initiatives
ATF actively engages with the government to push for better funding mechanisms for assistive technology startups. Despite Karnataka’s interest in disability welfare, Madhav points out that assistive technology does not receive the same investment as other sectors, such as fintech or AI. He expressed concern about funding cuts to disability welfare schemes.
“Startups in this space need patient capital. A fintech product might reach profitability in two years, but an assistive device might take five. We need public-private partnerships and dedicated grants to support this,” Madhav stated.
Collaboration with Startups
ATF’s incubation program has proved extremely successful, helping startups refine their products and connect with end-users. Companies like Trestle Labs, which produces a device converting printed text to speech for the visually impaired, have benefited from ATF’s support. In Madhav’s words, “Our role is to ensure that these startups don’t just develop technology for the sake of it, but actually solve real-world problems.”
ATF also supports startups in various ways, including regulatory navigation, production scaling, and distribution partnerships. NeoMotion, a startup incubated by ATF, has designed customizable motorized wheelchairs. Another startup, CogniAble, uses AI to provide early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism at an affordable cost. Sparshmind Innovations provides neuro-rehabilitation through virtual reality (VR) technology for people affected by brain injuries.
Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology
ATF is working with the government to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE), designed to be a hub for leading assistive technology startups. Madhav envisions the CoE as a place where advancements are made and where startups, policymakers, corporates, nonprofits, and individuals with disabilities can collaborate. The CoE will also provide an experience center, where users can test assistive technologies.
“We are still in the early stages of establishing the CoE but the momentum is building. The more we work together — startups, investors, policymakers, and advocacy groups — the closer we get to an inclusive future where technology empowers everyone,” Madhav concluded.
