The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, have officially launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. This year’s challenge focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities, to develop innovative solutions that enhance access to opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Applications for the challenge are now open, inviting youth-led innovations across three sub-categories:
- Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT)
- Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions
- Accessible and Inclusive Care Models
This edition will be implemented in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), a leading organization fostering Assistive Technology innovations for people with disabilities in India.
Driving Disability-Inclusive Innovation
Speaking at the virtual launch, Dr. Angela Lusigi, UNDP Resident Representative, India, emphasized the transformative potential of youth-driven initiatives. ‘We firmly believe that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. This belief is embodied in Youth Co:Lab, now in its seventh edition. For the first time, it prioritizes startups by and for persons with disabilities. Promoting disability-inclusive development is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),’ she said.
Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of AssisTech Foundation, highlighted the role of Assistive Technology in transforming lives. ‘Imagine AI enabling individuals with visual impairments to walk independently or AR/VR transforming learning for people with autism. As enablers of the Assistive Technology ecosystem, we are excited to partner with UNDP and AIM for this year’s Youth Co:Lab to improve lives of PwDs,’ he stated.
About Youth Co:Lab
Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower and invest in youth to drive leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship toward achieving the SDGs. In India, the program launched in 2019 in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. Over the past six editions, it has reached over 19,000 people and supported the creation or enhancement of 2,600 youth-led social innovation and entrepreneurship teams.
Applications Now Open
This year’s focus on disability-inclusive solutions aligns with the global goal of leaving no one behind. Young entrepreneurs and startups innovating in the identified categories are encouraged to apply. With the support of ATF, the initiative seeks to create transformative solutions that break barriers and foster inclusion for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information and to apply, visit the official Youth Co:Lab website. Applications close in early 2025.
