Six Youth-Led Startups Championing Disability-Inclusive Innovation Win Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-25
Bengaluru: Six youth-led startups have been named winners of the 7th Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024–25 held for their innovative solutions that advance disability inclusion and accessibility. The winning ventures were selected from across India for their bold ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and commitment to transforming the lives of persons with disabilities through technology, education, and inclusive care models. Co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation, organized together with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and implemented by AssisTech Foundation (ATF), Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge has become a platform for empowering youth-led innovation and advancing the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hosted in collaboration with the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bangalore, the winners were announced at the culmination of a five-day residential bootcamp held recently. This programme brought together 18 youth-led startups—selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide—for mentorship, technical guidance, and opportunities to refine and present their solutions.
This seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab Innovation Challenge focused on empowering young innovators and entrepreneurs with disabilities, fostering solutions that enhance access, opportunity, and well-being for persons with disabilities.
Following a high-impact jury evaluation on 12 June, six startups were selected for their scalable, high-impact solutions across three key categories: Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT), Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions and Accessible and Inclusive Care Models. The Three Winning Startups and 3 Runners Up of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-25 are the following Winners Yadukrishnan K, Mediqor Aid Technologies, Sanchit Jhunjhunwala, Translead Medtech, Nidhi, NEMA AI. Runners-Up Duplikhum L Langtithonger, Zeliang Codetech, Shraddha Agarwal, SignSetu, Srishti Srivastava, Infiheal Healthtech.
Each of the winning startups received tailored seed support of INR 3,00,000 along with capacity-building opportunities. The three runners-up were also recognized for their promising contributions and awarded INR 2,00,000 each to further develop their solutions and scale their impact. The winners were felicitated by Amit Kumar, Head- Sustainable Inclusive Growth, UNDP India and Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation. Furthermore, a special address was delivered virtually by Manmeet Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India said, 'Since 2019, Youth Co:Lab has grown into a pan-India movement — empowering over 250 youth-led ventures from every region of the country. These young innovators come from all walks of life, but their solutions are driving deep social impact — reaching those who need it most, including rural, tribal, and underserved communities'. She added, 'These startups are not only tackling complex local challenges — they are scaling, creating jobs, building innovation ecosystems, and taking homegrown ideas to the global stage. This year's focus on disability-led innovation is a powerful step toward a more inclusive startup landscape. With nearly 27 million persons with disabilities in India, we must ensure innovation works for everyone. Together with Atal Innovation Mission, Citi Foundation, and AssisTech Foundation, we are proud to back grassroots solutions that advance accessibility, dignity, and opportunity — from every corner of India to the world.'
Prateek Madhav, CEO and Co-Founder, AssisTech Foundation, emphasized his view on youth innovation, 'Innovative solutions that advance accessibility and inclusion, especially those led by young entrepreneurs from the disability community, must be championed through platforms like Youth Co:Lab. At AssisTech Foundation (ATF), we are proud to have partnered with UNDP, Citi Foundation and AIM for the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge, as we recognize the importance of supporting solutions that address underserved and often overlooked areas of need.'
The entrepreneurs also received a virtual message of encouragements from Sanjana Sanghi, Actor, and UNDP Champion and Subhayu Mishra, Managing Director and Head Global Public Affairs, India and South Asia - Communications, Marketing, Citi India.
Youth Co:Lab, co-created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to empower and invest in youth, so that they can advance the implementation of SDGs. Youth Co:Lab was launched in India in 2019 with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.
Since 2019, Youth Co:Lab has supported more than 250 youth-led social enterprises in India, spanning diverse thematic areas such as climate action, gender equality, sustainable consumption, and mental health.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
13 hours ago
- Economic Times
Kaynes & Avalon Poised for Strong CAGR Through FY27 on Scale; Motilal Oswal sees over 20% upside each
India's Electronics Manufacturing Services sector is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by strong orders and increasing global relevance. Government initiatives and rising domestic demand across sectors like EVs and infrastructure are key drivers. Companies are scaling up operations, supported by export growth and improved margins. Kaynes Technologies and Avalon Technologies are highlighted as promising investments, with significant growth projections. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Kaynes Technologies: Buy| Target Rs 7300| LTP Rs 5770| Upside 26% Avalon Technologies: Buy| Target Rs 1030| LTP Rs 828| Upside 24% Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of .) India's Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by a strong order pipeline, ongoing capacity additions, and improving global industry is expanding across segments, backed by rising work content, better execution visibility, and a gradual shift towards higher-margin categories like aerospace, industrial, automotive, and critical inflows remain firm, aided by new client additions, margin-accretive contracts, and prototype-to-production conversions. The cumulative order book for the EMS space (excluding Amber and Dixon) rose 23% YoY to INR 163 billion in FY25, highlighting the sector's robust growth macro drivers are fuelling domestic electronics demand, including higher investments in surveillance, the evolution of electric vehicles and AI applications, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Low penetration of consumer electronics and rising income levels also support long-term the increasing involvement of both global and Indian players is strengthening the local value chain. Government-led initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) are further accelerating investments across segments like semiconductors and display companies are scaling up operations to match growing demand. New plant setups, export-oriented units, and investments in areas like OSAT and HDI PCB manufacturing are progressing initiatives cater to rising needs from regions such as Europe, GCC, and North America, while also enabling broader product offerings. Most players saw margin improvements in FY25, a trend likely to continue, boosting earnings summary, the EMS industry is on a strong growth trajectory, supported by favorable demand dynamics, increasing exports, and deepening domestic a supportive policy environment, expanding capacities, and growing importance in global supply chains, the sector is well placed to maintain its growth momentum in the foreseeable is poised for strong FY26 growth with a revenue target of INR45b, driven by higher-margin new orders, operating leverage, and expansion across key verticals such as automotive, aerospace, industrial, and acquisitions have enhanced its global presence & opened new growth opportunities, with future focus on high-margin ODMs & expansion in South Asia & PCB and OSAT units are expected to commercialize by 4QFY26, targeting INR25b revenue in FY27 and INR50b by FY28, with robust margins (~30%/20%). We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 57%/61%/70% over FY25–27, driven by scale and margin long-term revenue trajectory is anticipated to be strong, backed by: 1) the addition of new customers in the US and Indian markets, 2) order inflows from the high-growth/high-margin industries, such as clean energy, mobility, and industrials, 3) strategic collaborations and 4) venturing into advanced technology guided for 18-20% revenue growth in FY26, with gross margins of 33-35%. Strategic collaborations (e.g., with Zepco) and capex plans to expand capacity will support future growth. We expect a CAGR of 28%/40%/58% in revenue/EBITDA/adj. PAT over FY25-FY27.(The author is Head – Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Kaynes & Avalon Poised for Strong CAGR Through FY27 on Scale; Motilal Oswal sees over 20% upside each
India's Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) sector is witnessing rapid growth, supported by a strong order pipeline, ongoing capacity additions, and improving global relevance. The industry is expanding across segments, backed by rising work content, better execution visibility, and a gradual shift towards higher-margin categories like aerospace, industrial, automotive, and critical infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kampong Krabei: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo Order inflows remain firm, aided by new client additions, margin-accretive contracts, and prototype-to-production conversions. The cumulative order book for the EMS space (excluding Amber and Dixon) rose 23% YoY to INR 163 billion in FY25, highlighting the sector's robust growth momentum. Several macro drivers are fuelling domestic electronics demand, including higher investments in surveillance, the evolution of electric vehicles and AI applications, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Low penetration of consumer electronics and rising income levels also support long-term growth. Additionally, the increasing involvement of both global and Indian players is strengthening the local value chain. Government-led initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) are further accelerating investments across segments like semiconductors and display modules. Live Events EMS companies are scaling up operations to match growing demand. New plant setups, export-oriented units, and investments in areas like OSAT and HDI PCB manufacturing are progressing well. These initiatives cater to rising needs from regions such as Europe, GCC, and North America, while also enabling broader product offerings. Most players saw margin improvements in FY25, a trend likely to continue, boosting earnings predictability. In summary, the EMS industry is on a strong growth trajectory, supported by favorable demand dynamics, increasing exports, and deepening domestic integration. With a supportive policy environment, expanding capacities, and growing importance in global supply chains, the sector is well placed to maintain its growth momentum in the foreseeable future. Kaynes Technologies: Buy| Target Rs 7300| LTP Rs 5770| Upside 26% It is poised for strong FY26 growth with a revenue target of INR45b, driven by higher-margin new orders, operating leverage, and expansion across key verticals such as automotive, aerospace, industrial, and medical. Recent acquisitions have enhanced its global presence & opened new growth opportunities, with future focus on high-margin ODMs & expansion in South Asia & Europe. HDI PCB and OSAT units are expected to commercialize by 4QFY26, targeting INR25b revenue in FY27 and INR50b by FY28, with robust margins (~30%/20%). We estimate revenue/EBITDA/PAT CAGR of 57%/61%/70% over FY25–27, driven by scale and margin gains. Avalon Technologies: Buy| Target Rs 1030| LTP Rs 828| Upside 24% Company's long-term revenue trajectory is anticipated to be strong, backed by: 1) the addition of new customers in the US and Indian markets, 2) order inflows from the high-growth/high-margin industries, such as clean energy, mobility, and industrials, 3) strategic collaborations and 4) venturing into advanced technology segments. Management guided for 18-20% revenue growth in FY26, with gross margins of 33-35%. Strategic collaborations (e.g., with Zepco) and capex plans to expand capacity will support future growth. We expect a CAGR of 28%/40%/58% in revenue/EBITDA/adj. PAT over FY25-FY27. (The author is Head – Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd ) ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
Adani Group soars 82 per cent in brand value, emerges as fastest-growing Indian brand of 2025: Brand Finance
ANI 27 Jun 2025, 20:44 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): The Adani Group has recorded an 82 per cent increase in brand valuation over the past year, the highest growth among India's Top 100 brands, according to Brand Finance's list of Most Valuable Indian Brands 2025. The value of brand Adani has risen from USD 3.55 billion in 2024 to USD 6.46 billion (INR 55,000 crore) in 2025, marking a substantial gain of USD 2.91 billion--a testament to the Group's strategic clarity, resilience and commitment to sustainable growth. Effectively, the increase in value this year is greater than the entire brand valuation reported in 2023. This growth has helped Adani climb to Rank 13 from Rank 16 last year, highlighting its strong momentum among India's top brands. Brand Finance, headquartered in London, is the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. Its annual rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that includes: Brand Strength Index - measuring consumer perceptions and behavioural insights; Brand Impact - reflected in the applied royalty rate; and Forecast Revenues - estimating the brand's future financial contribution This recognition highlights Adani's growing brand equity and its continued impact across industries and markets. Brand Finance's MD Asia Pacific, Alex Haigh said, 'Adani emerged as the fastest-growing Indian brand in 2025. In our assessment, brand Adani's rise is underpinned by its strong financial performance coupled with high brand equity scores. It is a clear reflection of their investment in integrated infrastructure and the renewables sector.' (ANI)
