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New Delhi, December 25, 2024: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and NITI Aayog have unveiled the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025, focusing on empowering youth to create innovative solutions for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The initiative, launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to foster social entrepreneurship and drive sustainable development.
This year’s challenge, implemented in partnership with the AssisTech Foundation (ATF), aims to revolutionize access and opportunities for PwDs. Entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, are invited to develop inclusive Assistive Technology (AT), educational technology, skilling solutions, and accessible care models.
“Youth Co:Lab, co-created by UNDP and Citi Foundation in 2017, is dedicated to empowering youth to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” NITI Aayog stated. Since its introduction in India in 2019, the initiative has engaged over 19,000 participants and supported 2,600 youth-led social innovation projects.
Championing Disability-Inclusive Innovation
Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative in India, emphasized the program’s transformative potential. “We firmly believe young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. This year’s focus on startups by and for persons with disabilities is a significant step toward achieving SDGs and disability-inclusive development,” she said.
The program highlights the power of emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR. “Imagine AI enabling individuals with visual impairments to walk independently or AR/VR transforming education for those with autism. We are excited to partner with UNDP and AIM to enhance the lives of PwDs through innovation,” said Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder of ATF.
Empowering Youth-Led Startups
This year’s edition will support 30-35 early-stage startups through a dedicated springboard program, offering seed grants to the best-performing teams to scale their initiatives. Founders aged 18-32 passionate about solving real-world challenges for disability inclusion are encouraged to participate.
By prioritizing youth-driven solutions and focusing on disability inclusion, Youth Co:Lab 2024-2025 represents a pivotal step in fostering a more inclusive society and advancing the global SDG agenda. Applications for the challenge are now open, inviting changemakers to create a meaningful impact.
