Founded by Prateek Madhav, Bengaluru-based ATF has partnered with Karnataka govt to set up one-of-its-kind Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology, dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
In 2012, Prateek Madhav stood amidst a sea of spectators at the Blind Cricket World Cup, an event he had helped organise against all odds. The moment was more than just a sporting victory; it was a turning point in his life. From a successful corporate career at Accenture to co-founding the Assistive Technology Foundation (ATF), the 49-year-old’s journey has been one of transformation—both personal and societal. Today, Bengaluru-based ATF is at the forefront of making India more inclusive, particularly in Karnataka, through technological innovations and policy advocacy. So much so that, in partnership with the IT-BT Department of Karnataka, ATF is also setting up one-of-its-kind Center of Excellence for Assistive Technology, dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
The birth of ATF
Madhav’s shift from the corporate world to the social impact sector was driven by a realization: disability is not the problem; inaccessibility is. While volunteering with NGOs working in disability inclusion, he noticed a glaring gap — despite rapid technological advancements, most assistive solutions were either unavailable or unaffordable in India.
“The real challenge is the lack of an ecosystem that fosters innovation and ensures assistive technology reaches the people who need it,” Madhav says. “We started ATF to bridge this gap by enabling startups to build, test, and scale their solutions,” he adds.
Founded in 2019, ATF operates as an enabler, connecting innovators with funding, mentorship, and distribution networks. Unlike traditional disability welfare programmes, ATF takes a market-driven approach, supporting technology that can be sustainable and scalable.
The inclusivity landscape in Karnataka
Karnataka, home to one of India’s most dynamic technology hubs, presents a mixed picture when it comes to inclusivity. The state has been proactive in implementing policies like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and has made progress in making public spaces more accessible. However, Madhav believes there is still much to be done.
“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?” he asks.
Madhav says that though there is a growing awareness about the situation, “execution is where we fall short.”
Beyond infrastructure, the employment rate for people with disabilities remains low. Madhav argues that while MNCs have diversity in hiring programmes, small and medium enterprises—where most of the job opportunities lie — are yet to fully integrate accessibility into their hiring practices.
Government funding and investment strategies
ATF has been actively engaging with the government to push for better funding mechanisms for assistive technology startups. While Karnataka has shown interest in disability welfare, Madhav points out that assistive tech still does not receive the same kind of investment as other sectors like fintech or AI. The concern also stems with Karnataka’s Congress government reducing the funding for disability welfare schemes by nearly 80 per cent. This led to a budget cut from Rs 54 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 10 crore in 2024-25 fiscal year.
“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,” he explains.
Madhav acknowledges that schemes like the ‘Startup India’ initiative have helped, but he looks forward to more focused funding through institutions such as SIDBI and state innovation funds. ATF itself has been working to create an Assistive Technology Venture Fund, aimed at providing early-stage capital to promising startups in the sector.
ATF’s collaboration with startups
One of ATF’s most successful initiatives has been its incubation program, which helps startups refine their products and connect with end-users. Companies like Trestle Labs, which has developed a device that converts printed text to speech for the visually impaired, have benefited from ATF’s support.
“Our role is to ensure that these startups don’t just develop technology for the sake of it, but actually solve real-world problems,” Madhav explains. “We bring them in touch with the disability community early on, so their solutions are tested and validated by the people who will use them,” he mentions.
Beyond funding, ATF helps these startups navigate regulatory hurdles, scale production, and find distribution partners. This comprehensive approach ensures that promising innovations don’t just remain prototypes but reach the people who need them most,” he says.
NeoMotion, one of ATF’s incubated startups, has designed customizable, motorized wheelchairs that enhance mobility for users in urban and rural settings. Another startup, CogniAble, has leveraged AI to provide early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism at an affordable cost. Another ATF supported startup, Sparshmind Innovations, makes neuro-rehabilitation accessible to millions affected by brain injuries using XR technology, offering VR therapy, a grip trainer for strength, and a camera system for precise movement assessment.
Centre of Excellence for Assistive Technology
ATF is also closely working with the government to establish CoE dedicated to assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Madhav envisions a space where India’s leading startups working in assistive tech come under one roof to drive innovation and impact. The CoE would serve as a hub for startups, policymakers, corporates, nonprofits, and individuals with disabilities. It also seeks to provide an experience center, allowing users to test assistive technologies and understand their practical applications.
source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)