ATA Conclave Brings Together Innovators, Corporates & Changemakers to Empower India’s Disabled Community Through Technology
Bengaluru, India – September 2021: The Assistive Technology Accelerator (ATA) hosted a landmark half-day conclave that united India’s top assistive tech startups, investors, and social impact leaders to discuss and drive collaborative action in building a more inclusive ecosystem for people with disabilities. The event was graced by legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid as the Chief Guest, alongside key dignitaries including Mr. Priyank Kharge, Former Minister of Social Welfare (Govt. of Karnataka), and Mr. Kumar Naik, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, GoK.
Rahul Dravid inaugurated the new ATA Lab at Samarthanam HSR, setting the stage for two insightful panel discussions:
Panel 1: Shaping the Future of Assistive Technology
Moderated by Mohan Sundaram (CEO, Artilab Foundation), the discussion featured Gaurav Mittal (Eye-D), Jeevan Reddy Anupalli (EdgeVerve), Suryaprakash (Ex-Infosys), and Gopal Srinivasa (Microsoft Research Accessibility), who highlighted the importance of innovation, inclusive design, and global scalability.
Panel 2: Market Access and Opportunities in Assistive Tech
Led by Jawahar Bekay (TAO), speakers Basavaraju Siddalingaiah, Madan Padaki (1Bridge), Deepa S (EMC), and Surabhi Srivastava (Innovision) focused on investment opportunities, ecosystem enablers, and inclusive business models.
ATA, under the leadership of CEO Prateek Madhav, has been at the forefront of raising awareness and driving innovation in the assistive technology space. Speaking at the event, Prateek emphasized:
“India is home to over 21 million people with disabilities, representing a massive opportunity to create impact-driven technology that serves both local and global needs. The AT Conclave marks a pivotal step toward enabling startups to realize their full potential with the support of like-minded investors, corporates, and social enterprises.”
The conclave also featured a startup showcase by ATA-supported ventures such as Eye-D, Innovision, Tactopus, Illuminify, BleeTech, Indent Designs, and Torchit, offering cutting-edge solutions in mobility, vision, communication, and learning accessibility.
Mr. Mahantesh GK, Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, stated:
“Samarthanam has long championed the intersection of technology and inclusion. Our commitment to empowering the disabled community through digital tools, assistive devices, and accessible education is unwavering. ATA is a powerful catalyst in that mission.”
The event attracted over 150 delegates from leading corporates, technology startups, NGOs, and investor communities. The ATA program continues to focus on product development, market access, and mentorship, aiming to bring cost-effective, scalable assistive solutions to millions.
“This conclave helped us connect with the right partners and mentors in a single day. It has greatly accelerated our go-to-market journey,” said Gaurav Mittal, Co-Founder & CEO, Eye-D.
As awareness around disability inclusion grows, ATA remains committed to building a world where technology is a bridge—not a barrier—for people with disabilities.
.jpg)