Seventh Edition of Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge Launched, Focuses on Disability Inclusion

New Delhi: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, have launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. This year’s challenge centers on empowering young entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that enhance access to opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

The initiative, designed to foster social entrepreneurship and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will be implemented in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), India’s leading organization driving Assistive Technology (AT) innovation for PwDs. The focus areas for this edition include Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology, Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions, and Accessible and Inclusive Care Models.

Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India, emphasized the program’s commitment to disability inclusion at the virtual launch ceremony. “Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. This year, we prioritize startups by and for persons with disabilities, promoting disability-inclusive development as an essential step toward achieving the SDGs,” she said.

Applications for the program are now open, inviting young entrepreneurs aged 18–32 to showcase innovative solutions aimed at improving the lives of PwDs. The initiative includes a springboard program to support 30–35 early-stage startups, with seed grants awarded to top-performing teams to scale their projects.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the program, Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder of ATF, stated, “Imagine AI enabling individuals with visual impairments to walk independently or AR/VR transforming learning for people with autism. We are excited to collaborate with UNDP and AIM to create impactful innovations that improve lives.”

Youth Co:Lab, co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation in 2017 and launched in India in 2019 in collaboration with AIM, has reached over 19,000 people and supported 2,600 youth-led innovation teams. The program has consistently tackled diverse social challenges, fostering leadership and entrepreneurship among young changemakers.

This year’s launch saw participation from over 100 stakeholders, including senior leaders from AIM, UNDP India, ATF, and Citi, as well as a wide audience via a live-streamed launch video.

Young founders passionate about addressing real-world challenges or creating co-innovation opportunities for disability inclusion are encouraged to apply and become part of this transformative journey.