Explore how Indian institutes and startups are reshaping the future of assistive technology through cutting-edge R&D, innovation labs, and public-private partnerships.
Regional Chapters by 2026
International Partners by 2027
Startups Supported by 2028
Govt Projects Targeted by 2026
Research Hotspots and Institutions
India’s assistive technology research is gaining prominence in universities and technical institutes. IIT Delhi’s Assistech Lab, for example, has developed Smart Canes and tactile display systems for the visually impaired. BITS Pilani is working on low-cost wheelchair control via voice commands. Government-funded agencies like ICMR and DST are funding AT-specific innovations and biomedical engineering ventures.
India’s National Institutes (NIEPMD, NIVH, etc.) are integrating innovation into disability training programs. The focus remains affordability, adaptability, and scalability—crucial for low-resource environments. Research outputs are increasingly open-source, allowing community-level manufacturing and adoption.
From Prototypes to Market
A major gap has been in tech transfer and commercialization. With the rise of incubators and venture capital in healthcare, we now see assistive tech products making it to the market. Startups like Trestle Labs and Inali Foundation have developed smart reading and prosthetic devices reaching rural consumers.
PPP models involving CSR support are emerging. Challenge-based funding (e.g., by BIRAC) is helping convert university projects into scalable products. Universities now include business mentoring and IP services for AT startups. However, bridging the research-to-impact gap remains a key national priority.
Summary
- IITs, ICMR, BITS driving R&D in AT.
- Focus on affordable, scalable solutions.
- Startups bringing prototypes to market.
- Public-private partnerships emerging.
- Universities offering innovation labs.
- Open-source designs gaining traction.
